Why in news?
The Climate Change Performance Index (CCPI) 2026, released on 18 November 2025 by Germanwatch, New Climate Institute and the Climate Action Network, ranks India 23rd among 63 countries and the European Union. India slipped 13 places from its 10th‑place ranking in the 2025 edition and moved from the group of high performers to medium performers.
Background
The CCPI has been published annually since 2005 to monitor climate mitigation efforts. Countries are assessed across four categories: greenhouse‑gas (GHG) emissions (40 % of the score), renewable energy (20 %), energy use (20 %) and climate policy (20 %). A panel of around 450 experts evaluates national and international policies. In many editions no country scores high enough to occupy the top three ranks—these remain empty to signal that no nation is doing enough to keep warming below 1.5 °C. In the 2026 edition, Denmark again achieved the highest overall score (4th place), followed by the United Kingdom and Morocco. Major emitters such as China, Russia, the United States and Saudi Arabia ranked near the bottom. India’s fall from the top ten attracted attention because the country had consistently performed well since 2019.
Why India’s rank fell
- Coal dependence: India’s national energy pathway remains anchored in coal. There is no formal timeline for phasing out coal, and new coal blocks continue to be auctioned. Fossil‑fuel subsidies and infrastructure “lock‑ins” persist.
- Low renewable energy rating: Although India has set ambitious targets and reported reaching 50 % of installed power capacity from non‑fossil sources in 2025, the CCPI panel gave a low rating for renewable energy due to slow deployment relative to demand and delays in phasing out fossil generation.
- Rising absolute emissions: Despite improvements in energy efficiency and a slowing rate of emissions growth, absolute emissions continue to rise because of population and economic growth.
- Social and environmental concerns: Large‑scale renewable energy projects have led to land conflicts, displacement, water stress and allegations of human‑rights violations. The CCPI experts call for more inclusive planning and decentralised, community‑owned renewable systems.
- Lack of interim milestones: India’s net‑zero target of 2070 lacks interim goals for 2035 and 2040. Sectoral roadmaps and state‑level accountability are missing, which reduces policy credibility.
Positive notes
- Long‑term strategy: India has submitted a formal national strategy under the Paris Agreement and maintains ambitious renewable energy targets. Programmes like the Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) appliance labelling and the Perform, Achieve and Trade (PAT) scheme for industry continue to deliver energy savings.
- Green finance initiatives: The country is developing a green finance taxonomy and a national carbon market to mobilise investment in low‑carbon projects.
- International leadership: India co‑founded the International Solar Alliance and advocates for equity and Common but Differentiated Responsibilities (CBDR) in global negotiations.
Recommendations from experts
The CCPI panel urges India to announce a time‑bound coal phase‑down leading to a future phase‑out; redirect fossil‑fuel subsidies toward decentralised renewable systems; strengthen social and environmental safeguards for project siting; set interim milestones for 2035 and 2040; and involve communities, women and smallholders in planning. They also call for sector‑specific roadmaps for transport, buildings and industry.
Significance
India’s drop in the CCPI rankings serves as a wake‑up call. It reflects the tension between rapid economic growth and the need to decarbonise. While the country demonstrates ambition and leadership in some areas, its continued reliance on coal and large‑scale projects without adequate community participation undermine progress. Implementing the recommended reforms could restore India’s high‑performer status and help meet global climate goals.
Source: TIMES OF INDIA · CCPI Official Site