India Climbs to 10th in Climate Performance Index 2025

What is the Climate Change Performance Index?
The CCPI evaluates countries based on their climate protection efforts, providing a transparent assessment of global progress. Key details:
Published by: Germanwatch, CAN International, and NewClimate Institute
Coverage: 63 countries + the EU, representing 90% of global emissions

Evaluation Criteria:
Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Emissions (40% weightage) – Measures national emissions trends
Renewable Energy (20% weightage) – Assesses clean energy adoption
Energy Use (20% weightage) – Evaluates energy efficiency
Climate Policy (20% weightage) – Reviews government actions and commitments

Key Findings of CCPI 2025
No country ranks 1st to 3rd – All nations fail to meet Paris Agreement standards.
Renewable energy adoption remains slow – Only 22 out of 64 assessed countries show progress.
Fossil fuel dependence persists – Major economies like the US, China, and Russia lag due to coal and oil reliance.


Top and Bottom Performers in CCPI 2025
Top 5 Countries Leading Climate Action
Denmark (#4) – Dominates in wind and solar energy adoption.
Netherlands (#5) – Strong climate policies and emission reduction strategies.
UK (#6) – Significant cuts in GHG emissions.
Morocco (#7) – Rapid renewable energy expansion.
Sweden (#8) – High energy efficiency and green policies.
Bottom 5 Countries Struggling with Climate Goals
Iran (#67) – Heavy reliance on fossil fuels.
Saudi Arabia (#66) – Weak renewable energy policies.
UAE (#65) – Slow transition from oil dependence.
Russia (#64) – Poor climate policy implementation.
Canada (#62) – High per capita emissions.


India’s Performance: Strengths and Challenges
Where India Excels
✔ Low per capita emissions – Better than many developed nations.
✔ Solar energy initiatives – Schemes like PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana boost rooftop solar adoption.
Where India Lags
✖ Coal dependency – Still accounts for 75% of electricity generation.
✖ Slow renewable energy growth – Trails behind global leaders like Denmark and Germany.
The Policy Paradox
Despite ranking #10, India’s climate policy execution remains “medium” due to:
Delays in coal phase-out plans.
Insufficient renewable energy infrastructure expansion.


Critical Global Climate Trends for Exam Preparation
1. The G20 Divide
14 out of 20 G20 nations rank “low” or “very low” in climate performance.
Only India and the UK show strong per capita emissions control.
2. The Renewable Energy Gap
22 countries are making progress in renewables.
42 countries are either stagnant or regressing.
3. The Nexus Report (IPBES) Connection
Climate action must align with biodiversity, water, and food security.
Example: Forest restoration enhances carbon capture while protecting ecosystems.


Sample Questions & Answers for Competitive Exams
Q1. (UPSC/ PSC) Why are the top three positions empty in CCPI 2025?
A: No country has fully met the Paris Agreement targets in GHG emissions, renewable energy, energy use, and climate policy.
Q2. (Environment Section) What are India’s strongest and weakest areas in CCPI 2025?
A: Strongest – GHG emissions control; Weakest – Renewable energy adoption.
Q3. (International Reports) What is the key recommendation of the Nexus Report?
A: Integrate climate action with biodiversity, food, and water security (e.g., nature-based solutions prevent harmful trade-offs like deforestation for agriculture).
Q4. (Climate Policy) Which country leads CCPI 2025, and why?
A: Denmark (#4) – Leads in renewable energy adoption and has strong climate laws.
Q5. (Analytical) “India’s CCPI rank hides its coal dependency.” Justify.
A: Despite ranking #10, India still relies on coal for 75% of its electricity, slowing its transition to net-zero emissions.