Evaluating Climate Commitments in the Mediterranean: A 2026 Perspective
As the world reflects on a decade since the Paris Climate Agreement, a new study by the Tahadhari Center in Brussels, led by experts Carmit and Dr. Mark Causon, examines how Mediterranean countries have fared in their climate commitments. The study interrogates whether these nations are in a better climate position in 2026 compared to their standings in 2015.
Preliminary findings from the study indicate that countries which have robustly implemented their Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) under the Paris Agreement are, generally, in a more favorable climate policy position. Despite this, the Mediterranean region is experiencing climate impacts that are worsening, with temperatures rising 20% faster than the global average.
Northern Mediterranean countries like France, Italy, and Greece exhibit advanced policy frameworks and higher shares of renewable energy. In contrast, Southern countries such as Morocco, Tunisia, Jordan, and Israel are rapidly advancing their policy frameworks. Notably, Jordan is pioneering climate-resilient development, although the region as a whole is not yet aligned with the 1.5°C target.
In Southern and Eastern Mediterranean regions, Jordan stands out as proactive, having devised a comprehensive climate policy spanning 2022 to 2050. This policy integrates climate action across all sectors, prioritizing renewable energy to bolster energy security and establishing a dedicated climate directorate within its Ministry of Environment. Meanwhile, Morocco and Tunisia, while ambitious, face implementation challenges and often require external assistance. Morocco has made strides in renewable energy but must still address greenhouse gas emissions across other sectors.
Although Israel fell short of its 2025 renewable energy target of 20%, it remains committed to achieving 30% by 2030 and aims for net-zero carbon emissions in its energy sector by 2050. Regional cooperation supports these efforts, yet Israel still trails behind OECD countries in renewable energy uptake.
In the Northern Mediterranean, France and Italy are progressing under the EU Green Deal, aspiring for carbon neutrality by 2050. However, both nations face difficulties in meeting their 2030 emission reduction targets, with recent reports calling for accelerated action and a quicker phase-out of fossil fuels.
Greece’s reliance on gas has caused it to drop in the Climate Change Performance Index, ranking it as a “medium performer” by late 2025. Nevertheless, Greece has shown progress in renewable energy and plans to eliminate lignite use by 2026.
Despite these advancements, the Mediterranean region is confronting severe climate risks, underscored by record-breaking heat in 2025 and ongoing water stress, droughts, and fire risks in 2026. This situation underscores the urgent need for adaptation strategies alongside mitigation efforts.
In summary, countries actively pursuing their NDC commitments, like Jordan with its sector-specific strategies or France and Greece with renewable energy expansion, are better equipped to manage energy security risks and access climate finance. However, this “better situation” is relative, indicating improvement from inaction rather than immunity from escalating climate impacts.
The forthcoming article will address the “implementation gap” between state-funded climate strategies and actual performance, as well as their socio-economic implications.
Original Story at blogs.timesofisrael.com