By Emma Schneck

In 2016, Morocco hosted The Marrakech Partnership for Global Climate Action (COP 22), the annual United Nations Convention on Climate Change meeting focused on setting and achieving global climate-change related emissions goals. COP 22 was particularly influential as it was the first climate conference held after the landmark April 2016 Paris Agreement, which defined country-specific greenhouse gas reduction commitments.

Following in the footsteps of the Paris Accords, the Marrakech Partnership for Global Climate Action put emphasis on water management and environmentally-sustainable infrastructure, in addition to greenhouse gas reduction. The 2016 meetings took place from November 7th-18th in Marrakech, Morocco and were overseen by Morocco’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Salaheddine Mezouar.

As we find ourselves 5 years out from this landmark Marrakech partnership meeting, where does Morocco stand on its fight against climate change? 

Background

Morocco--though only responsible for a fraction of a percent of global greenhouse gas emissions--has already begun to face adverse effects of climate change. As a naturally water-scarce country, Morocco has experienced increased drought over the past few years. This increased drought has contributed to many socio-economic stresses, such as increased urbanization and migration of rural peoples.  

The Marrakech Partnership signified a number of different commitments for Morocco. Firstly, it showed that Morocco was willing to be considered a leader in the MENA region in the fight against climate change. Secondly, it emphasized the climate-related issues that specifically concerned Morocco and effectively brought them to the forefront of international climate negotiations. 

Where are we now? 

Since hosting COP 22 in 2016, Morocco has made a few considerable advances in their commitment towards sustainability. One of the first projects developed with this commitment in mind, Noor Ouarzazate, is a 3,000 hectare solar energy complex that is projected to be the largest of its kind after its anticipated completion in the coming years. The solar project is slated to produce 58 Megawatts (0.058 Gigawatts) in total, spread over 4 farms. 

However, like many other massive land undertakings, the construction of Noor Ouarzazate has faced scrutiny over its implications on local residents. Critics of the plan note that after the 2010 land acquisition of the soon-to-be solar farm, over 8,000 villagers lost homes and access to farmland. The Moroccan Agency for Sustainable Energy (MASEN), on the other hand denies such claims, insisting that the solar farm occupies solely “empty” and arid land. The villages located near the solar project are considered among the poorest and most water-scarce in the country.

In addition to the construction of Noor Ouarzazate, Morocco has also put a plan in motion aimed to address their water issues. In 2019, the Moroccan government initiated their 2020 - 2050 Water Plan to address the country’s increasingly scarce water supply. Generally, the government-led plan focuses on the creation of dams, rerouting of water basins, desalinating seawater, and providing water resources for sustainable agriculture. 

Similarly, in 2020 the Moroccan government also launched the Generation Green 2020-2030 Plan--a revamped government project focused on alleviating rural poverty. The plan aims to promote the social development of Morocco’s rural agricultural class and protect their ways of life against the threat of environmental challenges.

Despite a rather climate-forward track record since the 2016 Marrakech partnership, Morocco commissioned a 1.4 Gigawatt coal-fired power plant in December 2018, effectively increasing the country’s dependency on coal energy. In 2017, coal plants generated over half of Morocco’s total electricity. Currently, Morocco is in the process of building yet another coal plant, which is expected to be completed by 2024. 

Going forward 

While the construction of additional coal plants contradicts the Kingdom’s commitment to renewable infrastructure investment, Morocco is still considered on-track to meet its Paris commitment to greenhouse gas reduction. While the Kingdom does have its sights on increasing their sustainable infrastructure, ample consideration must be made in regards to the social costs to its citizens, primarily those residing in rural and agriculturally-dependent communities.