By Martin Banks - 6th December 2011
This year's index shows worrying results
Jan Burck
A new report says that none of the 58 highest-emitting countries in the world have done enough" to prevent dangerous climate change.
It says the highest-ranked nations were in Europe: Sweden, UK and Germany.
The countries ranked worst this year are Saudi Arabia, Iran and Kazakhstan, it says.
Overall, it concludes that the ranking was influenced by the worldwide economic crisis which resulted in higher growth of emissions in emerging economies compared to industrial countries.
The "Climate change performance index" (CCPI) was released by Germanwatch and CAN-Europe in Durban at the UN climate talks on Tuesday.
The study evaluates and ranks the 58 highest-emitting countries based on both CO2 emissions and climate policies and, this year, more than 200 experts from the respective countries have assisted with analysing national policies.
Jan Burck, who co-authored the report, said, "This year's index shows worrying results.
"The worldwide addiction to coal has not been stopped, but rather increased. 80 per cent of the index is influenced by emissions trends and absolute emissions levels," says Burck.
"Five out of the ten biggest emitters - Iran (ranked 60), China (57), Russia (56), Canada (54) and USA (52) - were rated with the label 'very poor' performance."
Among these countries, China is the only one with a good policy rating, it says.
Burck said, "Its encouraging development of renewable energies and energy efficiency targets in the 12th five year plan can help China to climb up a few ranks in the future. But most countries cannot lean back either. Instead, we need a 'coalition of the responsible' for a better climate protection."
Wendel Trio, director of CAN-Europe, said, "The EU and other constructive developed and developing countries, including the emerging economies, cannot wait for the US, Canada and other laggards any longer."
"The EU plays an important role in the development of this 'coalition of the responsible'. Even while the results show clear differences between EU member states, the EU needs to unite behind the goal to cut its greenhouse gas emissions by at least 30 per cent by 2020.
"More decisive action under the leadership of Denmark, the incoming presidency, should increase the performance of all EU countries," said Trio.
"The first three countries on the index should drive the EU as a whole towards more action on climate change and support the Danish presidency in this", he adds.
The report says that while no country deserved the label 'very good', some countries implemented initiatives helping to reduce their emissions.
It says, "Sweden is an example on how to reduce emissions effectively in the residential sector. This is the result of long term climate measures, like CO2-taxes since the early nineties. But without sufficient new climate initiatives, Sweden received a poor policy rating this year."
South Africa, host of the UN climate conference, is ranked 38th.
