Romania ranks 30th out of 57 countries in the Climate Change Performance Index, a ranking made annually by GermanWatch, NewClimate Institute and Climate Action Network, which analyzes countries’ measures on climate change and their compatibility with the Paris Agreement of limiting global temperature rise below 2°C, Bankwatch announced.
The study analyzes four categories of indicators: greenhouse gas emissions, renewable energy, energy consumption and climate policies.
Thus, Romania decreased by six positions compared to last year’s analysis, when it occupied the 24th place. “It is not surprising the fall from the CCPI ranking considering that Romania did not come with a more ambitious climate vision. On the contrary, the vote on the Climate Law in this year’s European Parliament showed that most Romanian politicians are against a 60% emission reduction target “, says Roxana Bucată, 2Celsius representative.
The chapter in which Romania scores best is energy consumption, where it ranks 17th. And in the category of greenhouse gas emissions also ranks 17th, but the targets for 2030 in this case are considered average.
“Despite the results obtained by Romania in the CCPI ranking, there is still a need for policies and measures consistent with the objective set by the Paris Agreement and to increase the ambition to reduce GHGs and improve energy efficiency. The lack of a plan for the gradual elimination of coal from the energy mix and the planning of investments based on natural gas postpones Romania’s progress in the decarbonization process,” says Laura Nazare, Bankwatch Romania official.
In terms of renewable sources, Romania ranks 35th, being located at the lower limit of the middle category. This is also the main reason why Romania dropped in ranking.
“Even if at European level there is a discussion about 100% clean energy in a horizon of 20-30 years, Romania continues to support harmful projects, large emitters of CO2, involving coal and gas. All to the detriment of renewable energy. Successful access to EU funding mechanisms under the auspices of climate change will allow Romania to easily achieve this energy transition – it’s all about wanting this,” said Alin Tanase, Greenpeace Romania.