Morocco ranks 9th globally in the 2024 Climate Change Performance Index (CCPI) just published by German environmental watchdog Germanwatch e.V.
The report attributed Morocco’s impressive standing to the kingdom’s low Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions, its strides toward enhanced energy efficiency, and its success in increasing renewable energy production.
Morocco’s strong performance in the CCPI is driven by its standout achievements in the Climate GHG 2030 Target sub-index, in which it ranks second globally. Abandoning a ‘business-as-usual’ approach, the country has set an ambitious target of reducing GHG emissions by 45.5% by 2030.
In the areas of GHG Emissions and Energy Use, the country ranks 10th worldwide. Notwithstanding its ambitious green agenda, however, Morocco’s energy mix continues to rely heavily on fossil fuels. CCPI experts have voiced concerns over the government’s plans to expand the exploration of domestic oil and gas reserves.
The Ministry of Energy argues that natural gas is crucial for facilitating the transition to green energy, as it can mitigate the risk of unreliable renewable sources.
Call for Stronger Climate Policies
While recognizing Morocco for its large-scale renewable energy projects, CCPI experts suggest that more needs to be done to alleviate the high costs of green energy.
They point out that individuals producing solar energy are not yet connected to Morocco’s national grid and that biomass production remains limited to mountainous areas.
Experts are also urging Morocco’s Ministry of Agriculture to address environmental issues that threaten the country’s biodiversity. The report warns that deforestation is leading to soil erosion, which in turn causes flooding, damages infrastructure, and harms natural ecosystems and local communities.
As one of Morocco’s largest sectors, agriculture is in dire need of transformation. The report highlights concerns over the cultivation of water-intensive crops, excessive groundwater pumping, and the use of diesel pumps, which are either poorly regulated or not regulated at all because regulations are not effectively enforced.
While the Ministry of Agriculture has integrated water conservation and environmental protection into its programs in recent years, the report notes that implementation and enforcement have been lacking.
Recommendations for Policy Enhancements
The experts recommend several policy measures be adopted. These include the development of both utility-scale and small-scale, community-centered solar and wind projects, with strict adherence to social and environmental safeguards.
They also suggest that solar energy be subsidized, and efforts should be concentrated on reducing fossil fuel consumption.
Installing drip irrigation systems and solar pumps is advised to minimize water wastage and fuel use. In addition, the promotion of more sustainable agricultural practices and better preservation of natural ecosystems are essential.
Although Morocco is viewed as an active and supportive player in international climate politics, experts are urging policies that further reduce fossil fuel use and enhance ecological protection.