Global warming affects all of us.
Directly or indirectly, global warming is associated with climate change, health problems, glacier retreat, etc.
Apart from being a health and safety issue and an environmental issue, it is also an existential issue, as our survival may become jeopardized if the planet warms beyond a threshold.
So, it is imperative for countries to act promptly and decisively against global warming.
But which countries are doing the most in the war against global warming?
To answer this question, Germanwatch, NewClimate Institute, and the Climate Action Network publish their annual Climate Change Performance Index (CCPI) report.
We’ve perused the report and present to you the top ten countries fighting global warming.
1. Sweden
Topping this list is Sweden, a Scandinavian nation flanked by Finland and Norway and home to 10.2 million people
According to the report, Sweden’s per capita emissions have shown a steady decline from 2010 to 2015.
The improvement in emissions has been attributed to a net increase in forest cover, natural emission fluctuations in the agricultural sector and a focus on developing renewable energy sources.
However, critics argue that Sweden is not on track to meet its maximum temperature increase target (below 2°C before 2030).
They argue that the current development in renewable energy is not adequate and that Sweden hasn’t done enough to revolutionize its public transportation sector.
2. Lithuania
The second nation on this list is Lithuania, a former Soviet nation and a neighbor of Poland, Belarus, and Latvia. Lithuania is home to 2.85 million people.
Lithuania received a very favorable rating in the report for its efforts to meet the well-below-2°C by 2030 target. This is particularly notable in the energy use section, which also received a positive rating.
But, the report states that Lithuania isn’t doing enough as far as renewable energy goes and has a rather unambitious target.
The same goes for Lithuania’s ‘emissions creep,’ meaning that emissions trends in Lithuania have been displaying an upward trend.
3. Morocco
The third nation on this list is Morocco, a North-African country flanked by the Mediterranean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean and home to 34.9 million people.
Morocco secures the third place because of its policies which support the reduction in emissions and also its judicious energy use.
It is also benefited by a low emissions level and ambitious temperature target.
Morocco has also invested in renewable energy, meaning it is dedicated to tackling global warming on all fronts.
4. Norway
Sweden’s immediate neighbor, Norway, is the fourth item on our list.
A Nordic country, its capital is Oslo, and it is home to 5.2 million people.
Norway has always been a stellar performer in tackling global warming and this year was no exception.
Norway has a positive rating in all categories relating to emissions and its score in the policy section is similar, but it is to be taken with a pinch of salt.
Since Norway exports fossil fuels to other countries (as a result of subsidies), its policy isn’t favorable in the grand scheme of things.
But, it holds an influential position over other nations as far as climate change is concerned, so the overall rating is ‘high.’
It also ranks well in the renewables sector but could improve its use of energy.
5. United Kingdom
Securing number five on this list is a country that needs no introduction, the United Kingdom.
Home to fish and chips, the famous Queen Elizabeth II and 66 million Brits, it has been doing its part to control global warming.
Emissions remain low as Britain shifts from being a manufacturing-based to a service-based economy, so it gets a positive emissions rating.
The new ‘clean growth’ strategy is a breath of fresh air on the legislative front and seeks to phase coal out.
The UK also plans to ban internal combustion vehicles by 2040, but critics argue that these measures may not be enough to meet the well-below-2°C target.
6. Finland
Completing the trio of Nordic countries in this list is Finland, a neighbor of Sweden and Norway and home to 5.5 million people.
The report states Finland to be the second best-performing country in the emissions category and thus, it bags a ‘high’ rating in that divison.
However, Finland needs to be more judicious with how it chooses to use its energy as the report found the current energy use trend as an obstacle for Finland to meet the 2°C target.
As far as policies go, the results are somewhat mixed. While the government’s plan to phase coal out is appreciated, it does subsidize fossil fuels like peat, leading to a ‘medium’ rating.
7. Latvia
Number seven on the list is Latvia, a neighbor of Lithuania and home to almost 2 million people.
Latvia has received praise in the report for its progress on renewable energy, but its progress on greenhouse emissions still leaves a lot to be desired, and experts predict Latvia will miss the 2°C target.
Latvia’s energy use elicited mixed reactions in the report, as did its international policy decisions.
8. Malta
Malta is an archipelago between Sicily and the North-African coast. Its capital is Valletta, and it is home to 460,000 people.
Malta is well on its way to meet the 2°C target as emissions are slightly high right now, but they are predicted to lessen in the future.
Malta’s current renewable energy trend isn’t great, but the country has been making strides in incorporating it. However, experts predict it won’t be adequate to meet the target alone.
Energy use was lauded in the report as Malta has been using its energy judiciously and responsibly.
9. Switzerland
The penultimate country on this list is Switzerland. Its capital is Bern, and it is home to 8.4 million people.
Emissions at the moment are low, but they are predicted to rise to the extent that Switzerland may not meet the 2°C target.
Switzerland uses a reasonable amount of renewable energy to meet its demand, but experts are worried that development may not be fast enough for it to meet the target.
Energy use and policy are satisfactory, and Switzerland receives positive ratings on both fronts.
10. Croatia
After the 2018 FIFA World Cup final, Croatia needs no introduction. Its capital is Zagreb, and it is home to 4.1 million people.
Croatia receives positive ratings for its energy use, energy use trends and the same goes for GHG emissions.
Croatia has been making strides in renewable energy as well and is expected to produce a significant amount of its energy by renewable sources.
But, Croatia is severely lacking (relatively speaking) as far as its policy framework is concerned and ranks 40 and 46 in national and international policy, respectively.
Conclusion
All the countries mentioned here are spearheading the war against global warming and are doing their bit to control the situation.
The CCPI measures a country’s energy use patterns, emissions, renewable energy infrastructure and policy framework to devise a comprehensive ranking.
Most countries are doing well on at least three of the four fronts, though these rankings are subject to change.
Note: The CCPI begins its rankings from 4 and leaves the first three spots blank to signify that no country is doing enough to combat climate change. The rankings mentioned here begin from 1 for convenience.