Analysis of Climate Change Performances of G7 Group Countries: An Application Using the MEREC-based RAFSI Method

Year 2025, Volume: 12 Issue: 1, 214 - 245, 31.03.2025

Furkan Fahri Altıntaş

https://doi.org/10.30798/makuiibf.1489592

Abstract

The activities of major economies regarding climate change can influence the global climate, the global economy, and the climate change strategies of other countries. In this context, analyzing the climate change performance of G7 countries is considered important. In this research, the climate change performances of G7 countries for the year 2023 were measured using the MEREC-based RAFSI method, based on the Climate Change Performance Index (CCPI) criteria. According to the findings, the most significant climate change criteria for G7 countries within the scope of the MEREC method were identified as Greenhouse Gases Emissions and Climate Policy. According to the MEREC-based RAFSI method, the climate change performance values of the countries were ranked as follows: Germany, the UK, France, Italy, the USA, Japan, and Canada. Furthermore, it was observed that the countries with performance values above the average climate change performance value were Germany, the UK, France, and Italy. Consequently, for the improvement of global climate change and contributions to the global economy, it is assessed that G7 countries need to show development particularly in Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Climate Policy criteria, and that the USA, Japan, and Canada need to undertake activities to enhance their climate change performance. From a methodological perspective, it was concluded that the MEREC-based RAFSI method is sensitive in measuring the climate change performances of countries according to sensitivity analysis, credible and reliable according to comparative analysis, and robust and stable according to simulation analysis. Therefore, based on the results of sensitivity, comparative, and simulation analyses, it was determined that the climate change performances of countries can be measured with MEREC based RAFSI in the scope of the CCPI.

Keywords

Climate Performance, G7, MEREC, MEREC based RAFSI

Ethical Statement

Ethics Committee approval was not required for this study. The author declares that the study was conducted in accordance with research and publication ethics. The author confirms that no part of the study was generated, either wholly or in part, using Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools. The author declares that there are no financial conflicts of interest involving any institution, organization, or individual associated with this article. The author affirms that the entire research process was performed by the sole declared author of the article.

References

• Akyol, H. (2022). İklim değişikliğinin ekoonmik büyümeye zararı varmıdır: Gelişmekte olan ülkeler örneği. In Ş. Karabulut (Eds.), Ekonomi politika ve uygulamalarının ampirik tahlili : İktisat, finans, maliye (pp. 553-565). Gazi Kitapevi.
• Ali, J., Hussain, K. N., Alnoor, A., Muhsen, Y. R., & Atiyah, A. G. (2024). Benchmarking methodology of banks based on financial sustainability using CRITIC and RAFSI techniques. Decision Making: Applications in Management and Engineering, 7(1), 315-341. https://doi.org/10.31181/dmame712024945
• Alossta, A., Elmansouri, O., & Badi, I. (2021). Resolving a location selection problem by means of an integrated AHP-RAFSI approach. Reports in Mechanical Engineering, 2(1), 135-142. https://doi.org/10.31181/rme200102135a
• Ayçin, E., & Arsu, T. (2021). Sosyal gelişme endeksine göre ülkelerin değerlendirilmesi: MEREC ve MARCOS yöntemleri ile bir uygulama. İzmir Yönetim Dergisi, 2(2), 75-88. https://doi.org/10.56203/iyd.1084310
• Banik, B., Alam, S., & Chakraborty, A. (2023). Comparative study between GRA and MEREC technique on an agricultural based MCGDM problem in pentagonal neutrosophicenvironment. International Journal of Environmental Science and Technology, 20, 13091–13106. https://doi.org/10.1007/s13762-023-04768-1
• Bektaş, S. (2023). MEREC ve MABAC yöntemleri ile BİST 100’de işlem gören enerji firmalarının finansal performanslarının değerlendirilmesi. Dokuz Eylül Üniversitesi İşletme Fakültesi Dergisi, 4(2), 115-128. htpps://doi.10.24889/ifede.1340829
• Benhamed, A., Osman, Y., Ben-Salha, O., & Jaidi, Z. (2023). Unveiling the spatial effects of climate change on economic growth: International evidence. Sustainability, 15, 1-20. https://doi.org/10.3390/su15108197
• Bernauer, T., & Böhmelt, T. (2013). National climate policies in international comparison: The climate change cooperation index. Environmental Science Policy, 25, 196-206. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envsci.2012.09.007
• Bisht, G., & Pal, A. K. (2024). A novel fuzzy modified rafsi method and its applications in multi-criteria decision-making problems. Informatica, 48, 21-30. https://doi.org/10.31449/inf.v48i1.4144
• Božanić, D., Milić, A., Tešić, D., Sałabun, W., & Pamučar, D. (2021). D NUMBERS – FUCOM – FUZZY RAFSI model for selecting the group of construction machines for enabling mobility. FACTA UNIVERSITATIS-Series:Mechanical Engineering, 19(3), 447-471. https://doi.org/10.22190/FUME210318047B
• Briggle, A. (2024). A field guide to climate change. Eurospan.
• Burck, J., Bals, C., Treber, M., & Avram, R. (2006). The climate change performance index 2006. Bonn: Germanwatch e.V.
• Burck, J., Uhlich, T., Höhne, N., Nascimento, L., & H., Bals, C. (2024). Climate change performance index 2024. Germanwatch.
• Chakraborty, S., Pattanayak, A., Mandal, S., Das, M., & Roychowdhury, R. (2014). An overview of climate change: Causes, trends and implications. In R. Roychowdhury (Eds.), Crop Improvement in the Era of Climate Change (pp. 1-29). I.K. International Publishing House Pvt. Ltd.
• Ching-Ruey, L. (2020). Climate change--the causes, influence and conceptual management. International Journal of Applied Engineering and Technology, 10, 15-25.
• Corell, R. W. (2006). Challenges of climate change: An Arctic perspective. Ambio, 35(4), 148-152. https://doi.org/10.1579/0044-7447
• Dell, M., Jones , B. F., & Olken, B. A. (2008). Climate change and economic growth: Evidence from the last half century. NBER Working Papers: National Bureau of Economic Research(14132), 1-42. https://doi.org/10.3386/w14132
• Demir, G. (2021). Özel sermayeli mevduat bankalarında performans analizi:SWARA-RAFSI bütünleşik model uygulaması. Atatürk Üniversitesi İktisadi ve İdari Bilimler Dergisi, 35(4), 1359-1382. https://doi.org/10.16951/atauniiibd.897065
• Deveci, M., Çiftçi, M. E., Isik, M., Pamucar , D., Wen, X., Chi, T., & Kadry, S. (2024). Aircraft type selection using fuzzy trigonometric based OPA and RAFSI model. Information Sciences, 673, 1-22. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ins.2024.120688
• Deveci, M., Gokasar, I., Pamucar, D., Chen, Y., & Coffman, D. (2023). Sustainable E-scooter parking operation in urban areas using fuzzy Dombi based RAFSI model. Sustainable Cities and Society, 91, 1-19. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scs.2023.104426
• Deveci, M., Pamucar, D., & Oguz, E. (2022). Floating photovoltaic site selection using fuzzy rough numbers based LAAW and RAFSI model. Applied Energy, 324, 1-24. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apenergy.2022.119597
• Fankhauser, S., & Tol, R. S. (2005). On climate change and economic growth. Resource and Energy Economics, 27, 1-17. https://doi.10.1016/j.reseneeco.2004.03.003
• Gigovič, L., Pamučar, D., Bajič, Z., & Milicevič, M. (2016). The combination of expert judgment and GIS-MAIRCA analysis for the selection of sites for ammunition depots. Sustainability, 8(4), 1-30. https://doi.org/10.3390/su8040372
• Gokasar, l., Deveci, M., Isik, M., Daim, T., Zaidan, A. A., & Smarandache, F. (2023). Evaluation of the alternatives of introducing electric vehicles in developing countries using Type-2 neutrosophic numbers based RAFSI model. Technological Forecasting & Social Change, 192, 1-14. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.techfore.2023.122589
• Gökgöz, F., & Yalçın, E. (2021). Can renewable energy sources be a viable instrument for climate change mitigation? Evidence from EU countries via MCDM methods. Climate Change Science, 19-39. https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-12-823767-0.00002-1
• Graphwise. (May, 2024). G7 Carbon comparison. https://www.graphwise.weebly.com/g7-carbon.html
• Gulzar, A., & Aziz, B. (2023). Impacts of climate change on economic growth: Empirical evidence from the asian region. IRASD Journal of Economics, 5(4), 929–943. https://doi.org/10.52131/joe.2023.0504.0171
• Hamza, Y. G., Ameta, S. K., Tukur, A., & Usman, A. (2020). Overview on evidence and reality of climate change. IOSR Journal Of Environmental Science, Toxicology And Food Technology, 14(7), 17-26. https://doi.org.10.9790/2402-1407021726
• Harmeling, S. (2011). Global Climate Risk Index 2012. Germanwatch.
• Hayaloğlu, P. (2018). İklim değişikliğnin tarım sektörü ve ekonomik büyüme üzerindeki etkisi. Gümüşhane Üniversitesi Sosyal Bilimler Enstitüsü Elektronik Dergisi, 9(25), 51-62.
• Hulme, M. (2022). Climate change. Routledge.
• International Energy Agency. (2023). CO2 Emissions:A new record high, but is there light at the end of the tunnel?. International Energy Agency.
• Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. (2007). Climate Change 2007: Synthesis report (Summary for policymakers). IPCC.
• Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. (2018). Global warming of 1.5°C. Switzerland: Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change.
• Ismail, A. M. (2018). Relationship between climate change and economic growth: Evidence from Saudi Arabia. International Journal of Academic Research Economics and Management Sciences, 7(1), 54-60. http://dx.doi.org/10.6007/IJAREMS/v7-i1/3931
• Jakob, M., & Gardiner, J. (2022). G7 climate crossroads: State of Play. Berlin Ecologic Institute. Keleş, N. (2023). Uygulamalarla klasik ve güncel karar verme yöntemleri. Nobel Bilimsel.
• Keleş, N., & Ersoy, N. (2023). Analyzing climate change performance over the last five years of G20 countries: Using a multi-criteria decision-making framework. Dokuz Eylül University Journal of Faculty of Business, 24(2), 13-34. https://doi.org/10.24889/ifede.1284974
• Keshavarz-Ghorabaee, M., Amiri, M., Zavadskas, E. K., Turskis, Z., & Antucheviciene, J. (2021). Determination of Objective Weights Using a New Method Based on the Removal Effects of Criteria (MEREC). Symmetry, 13(4), 1-20. https://doi.org/10.3390/sym13040525
• Kızılkaya, O., & Mike, F. (2023). İklim değişikliğinin ekonomik büyüme üzerindeki etkisi: Türkiye üzerine amprik bir değerlendirme. Pamukkale University Journal of Social Sciences Institute(57), 403-411. https://doi.10.30794/pausbed.1169890
• Kirton, J. J., & Kokotsis, E. (2015). The global governance of climate change. Routledge.
• Kirton, J. J., Kokotsis, E., & Warren, B. (2018). The G7, anti-globalism and the governance of globalization. Routledge.
• Koirala, D. P., Sonobe, T., Rahut, D., & Buchoud, N. (2024). A compendium of G7 commitments on climate change, health, well-being, agriculture, food,and nutrition, 2011–2023. Asian Development Bank Institute.
• Köse, E., Aksoy, E., & Gürbüz, C. (2024). An analysis of climate change performances of the G-20 countries. International Journal of Business, Economics and Management Perspectives, 8(1), 75-102. http://dx.doi.org/10.29228/ijbemp.75734
• Leckie, B. (2018). Climate chnage, interrupted: Representation and the remaking of time. Stanford University Press.
• Matawal, D. S., & Maton, D. J. (2013). Climate change and global warming: Signs, impact and solutions. International Journal of Environmental Science and Development, 4(1), 62-66. https://doi.org.10.7763/IJESD.2013.V4.305
• Mendelsohn, R. (2009). Climate change and economic growth. The International Bank for Reconstruction and Development / The World Bank.
• Mohanty, S., & Mohanty, B. P. (2009). Global climate change: A cause of concern. Natl.Acad.Sci.Lett, 32(5-6), 149-156.
• Naceur, M., & Rahmani, S. M. (2024). Overview of the climate change impact on the environment and humanity. International Journal of Educational Research and Development, 6(1), 9-18.
• Narang, M., Kumar, A., & Dhawan, R. (2023). A fuzzy extension of MEREC method using parabolic measure and its applications. Journal of Decision Analytics and Intelligent Computing, 3(1), 33-46. https://doi.org/10.31181/jdaic10020042023n
• National Academy of Science. (2014). Climate change: Evidence and causes. The National Academies Press.
• Pamucar, D., Badi, I., & Stevic, Z. (2021). An integrated FUCOM-RAFSI model for assessing the potential of a new gateway port in Libya for some African landlocked countries. International Journal for Quality Research, 16(2), pp. 613–624. https://doi.10.24874/IJQR16.02-17
• Patz, J. A., Frumkin, H., Holloway, T., Vimont, D. J., & Haines, A. (2014). Climate change challenges and opportunities for global health. JAMA, 312(15), 1565-1580. https://doi.org.10.1001/jama.2014.13186
• Petrović, P. (2023). Climate change and economic growth: Plug-in model averaging approach. Journal of Cleaner Production, 433, 1-11. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2024.142132
• Pogue, D. (2021). How do prepare for climate change?. Simon & Schuster.
• Popović, G., Pucar, D., & Smarandache, F. (2022). MEREC-COBRA approach in e-commerce development strategy selection. Journal of Process Management and New Technologies, 10(3-4), 66-74.
• Pucar, D., Popović, G., & Milovanović, G. (2023). MCDM methods-based assessment of learning management systems. Teme, 48(4), 939−956. https://doi.org/10.22190/TEME230209058P
• Puška, A., Hodžić, I., Štilić, A., & Murtič, S. (2024). Evaluating European Union countries on climate change management: A Fuzzy MABAC approach to the Climate Change Performance Index. Journal of Green Economy and Low-Carbon Development, 3(1), 15-25. https://doi.org/10.56578/jgelcd030102
• Rahman, M. S., Mohamad, O., & Abu Zarim, Z. (2014). Climate change: A review of its health impact and percieved awareness by the young citizens. Global Journal of Health Science, 6(4), 196-204. http://dx.doi.org/10.5539/gjhsv6n4p196
• Rebonato, R. (2024). How do think about climate change. Cambridge University Press.
• Risti, B., Bogdanovi, V., & Stevi, Z. (2024). Urban evaluation of pedestrian crossings based on start-up time using the MEREC-MARCOS model. Journal of Urban Development and Management, 3(1), 34-42. https://doi.org/10.56578/judm030103
• Roberts, T. J., & Parks, B. (2006). A Climate of Injustice: Global Inequality, North-South Politics, and Climate Policy (Global Environmental Accord: Strategies for Sustainability and Institutional Innovation). MIT Press.
• Roson, R., & Mensbrugghe, D. (2010). Climate change and economic growth: Impacts and interactions. Ca’Foscar University of Venice(7), 3-18.
• Sachs, J. D., Lafortune, G., Fuller, G., & Drumm, E. (2023). Sustainable development report 2023. Dublin University Press.
• Shanmugasundar, G., Sapkota, G., Cep, R., & Kalita, K. (2022). Application of MEREC in multi-criteria selection of optimal spray-painting robot. Processes, 10, 1-16. https://doi.org/10.3390/pr10061172
• Smerdon, J. (2018). Climate Change: The science of global warming and our energy future. Columbia University Press.
• Soliman, A., Othman, A., & Ismail, M. (2024). Climate change and economic growth in the Arab world. Arab Monetary Fund.
• Solomon, S., Plattner, G.-K., Knutti, R., & Friedlingstein, P. (2009). Irreversible climate change due to carbon dioxide emissions. PNAS, 106(6). 1704-1709. https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.0812721106
• Stern, N., & Stiglitz, J. E. (2023). Climate change and growth. Industrial and Corporate Change, 1-27. https://doi.org.10.1093./icc/dtad008
• Sümerli Sarıgül, S., Ünlü, M., & Yaşar, E. (2023). A New MCDM approach in evaluating airport service quality: MEREC-based MARCOS and CoCoSo methods. Uluslararası Yönetim Akademisi Dergisi, 6(1), 90-108. https://doi.org/10.33712/mana.1250335
• Ullaha, S., Arif, M., Hussain, S., & Al-Faryan, M. A. (2024). Climate change, governance, and economic growth in Asia: A panel cointegration analysis. Cogent Economics & Finance, 12(1), 1-13. https://doi.org/10.1080/23322039.2023.2299125
• Ulutaş, A., Stanujkic, D., Karabasevic, D., Popović,, G., & Novaković, S. (2022). Pallet truck selection with MEREC and WISP-S methodS. Strategic Management, 27(4), 23-29. https://doi.10.5937/StraMan2200013U
• The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change. (2011). United Nations climate changes. United Nations Framework Convention.
• Walters, S. J. (2009). Quality of life outcomes in clinical trials and health-care evaluation: A practical guide to analysis and interpretation. Wiley.
• Wu, X., Sadiq, M., Chien, F., Ngo, Q.-T., Nguyen, A.-T., & Trinh, T.-T. (2021). Testing role of green financing on climate change mitigation:Evidences from G7 and E7 countries. Environmental Science and Pollution Research(28), 66736–66750. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11356-021-15023-w
• Yakovlev, V. A., & Belyaev, G. A. (2023). Global climate change, its consequences and ways to solve the problem. E3S Web of Conferences, 390, 1-7. https://doi.org/10.1051/e3sconf/202339004007
• Zhai, T., Wang, D., Zhang, Q., Saeidi, P., & Mishra, A. R. (2022). Assessment of the agriculture supply chain risks for investments of agricultural small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) using the decision support model. Economic Research-Ekonomska Istraživanja, 1-33. https://doi.org/10.1080/1331677X.2022.2126991
• Žižović, M., Pamucar, D., Albijanic, M., Chatterjee, P., & Pribicevi, I. (2020). Eliminating rank reversal problem using a new multi-attribute model—The RAFSI method. Mathematics, 8, 1-16. https://doi.10.3390/math8061015