Morocco Rises to 6th Globally in Climate Performance, Strengthening Its Green Leadership

Morocco has established itself as a global climate leader by rising to 6th place in the Climate Change Performance Index 2026. Published on the sidelines of COP30 in Belém, Brazil, this ranking rewards the Kingdom’s efforts in reducing greenhouse gas emissions, energy management and the implementation of ambitious climate policies, while also pointing out areas for improvement in the deployment of renewable energies.

Morocco has once again distinguished itself on the international climate scene by entering the top 10 of the Climate Change Performance Index (CCPI) 2026. Published on the sidelines of COP30 in Belém, Brazil, the report ranks the Kingdom 6th in the world, a gain of two places compared to the previous edition.

This positioning makes Morocco one of the world’s top-performing countries in the fight against climate change. The CCPI, conducted annually by the NewClimate Institute, the NGO Germanwatch, and the Climate Action Network (CAN), assesses the climate policies of 63 countries and the European Union, together representing more than 90% of global greenhouse gas emissions. The analysis is structured around four main categories: greenhouse gas emissions, energy use, renewable energy, and climate policy.

According to the evaluators, Morocco achieved “high” performance in three areas: emissions reduction, energy consumption, and climate policy. However, its score for renewable energy remains “low,” which is the main area for improvement. The Kingdom’s progress is largely due to the update of its Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC), completed in September 2025.

The country has set an unconditional target of reducing its emissions by 21.6% by 2035 compared to the business-as-usual scenario, and a conditional target of 53% if international support materializes. It also commits to a gradual phase-out of coal by 2040, a goal welcomed by CCPI experts.

Significant progress has been made by Morocco, but persistent obstacles remain

Another positive point is that Morocco is not significantly involved in fossil fuel extraction, although untapped gas reserves exist. However, subsidies for domestic gas remain in place and hinder the energy transition, particularly for domestic uses that are still highly dependent on it.

Experts emphasize that the current pace of the energy transition remains too slow. Delays have been noted in the deployment of solar and wind projects, partly due to unresolved technological debates and a tendering strategy deemed insufficiently clear. The report recommends clarifying technological choices, accelerating tendering processes, and improving the flexibility of the electricity grid to enable the integration of renewables.

In the field of bioenergy, the CCPI encourages the launch of a roadmap for biomethane and sustainable biofuels, specifying that this should be based on the valorization of waste and residues, rather than on food crops.

In terms of mobility, Morocco is praised for its massive investments in public transport and rail, which support a long-term transition to low-carbon mobility. The National Adaptation Plan (NAP), which sets minimum energy performance requirements for new buildings, is also mentioned as a positive initiative.

However, experts note difficulties in its implementation: a lack of monitoring resources, the continued sale of energy-inefficient appliances, and buildings that often do not meet standards. The report also recommends modernizing agricultural irrigation by promoting smart systems that combine drip irrigation, solar pumps, and moisture sensors, with subsidies linked to water performance indicators. Finally, it advocates for expanding the National Municipal Waste Program (PNDM), particularly in the sorting of organic waste in large cities and the capture of methane from landfills and wastewater treatment plants.

Morocco’s ranking is all the more remarkable given its dominant position across the African continent and the MENA region. It surpasses Egypt, South Africa, Kenya, and its Maghreb neighbors—Tunisia, Algeria, and Libya—which appear much further down the rankings, suffering from their heavy reliance on fossil fuels and climate policies deemed less ambitious. This regional leadership allows the Kingdom to establish itself as a South-South model for ecological transition.

A strong climate diplomacy

Morocco’s performance in the 2026 ICC also resonates diplomatically. By positioning itself as a major climate actor, the Kingdom strengthens its stance in international negotiations, particularly within the framework of the COP and within African or South-South coalitions.

Its experience in implementing integrated and multi-sectoral environmental policies provides leverage in his bilateral and multilateral cooperation.

This recognition gives Morocco legitimacy to advocate for global climate justice, calling for more funding for vulnerable countries, and for accelerated technology transfers to benefit countries of the South.

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(Featured image by Ma Ti via Unsplash)

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First published in LES ECO.ma. A third-party contributor translated and adapted the article from the original. In case of discrepancy, the original will prevail.

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