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The Climate Change Performance Index (CCPI) 2025 report, released at the UN climate conference, assesses the climate action efforts of over 60 countries. Despite dropping two spots from the previous year, India secured a respectable 10th position. This ranking is attributed to India's relatively low per capita emissions (2.9 tons of CO2 equivalent, significantly lower than the global average of 6.6 tCO2e) and its rapid expansion of renewable energy sources over the past decade. The report highlights India's ambition to play a leading role in global green energy, aiming for 500 gigawatts of renewable energy capacity by 2030 and net-zero emissions by 2070. This progress is evidenced by considerable advancements in renewable energy policy, including large-scale solar power projects and the Rooftop Solar Scheme. Further positive steps include the introduction of energy efficiency standards, although the report notes their coverage remains inadequate, and advancements in electric vehicle deployment, particularly for two-wheelers.
However, the CCPI report also underscores significant challenges. Despite the progress in renewable energy, India remains heavily reliant on coal, a factor limiting its overall climate performance. The report points out that India is among the top 10 countries with the largest developed coal reserves and is currently planning to increase its production. This reliance on coal, coupled with the growth-oriented approach to climate action driven by rising energy demand and population growth, raises concerns about the sustainability of India's climate goals in the long term. The report suggests that significant changes in India's climate policy are unlikely in the near future, implying a continuation or intensification of its current growth-focused approach.
The report's methodology tracks the progress of major emitters across three key areas: emissions, renewables, and climate policy. The top three spots in the CCPI remain vacant, as no country achieved a high enough rating across all categories. Denmark and the Netherlands secured the fourth and fifth positions, respectively. Significantly, the two largest emitters, China and the United States, ranked considerably lower at 55th and 57th place. This underscores the global challenge of mitigating climate change, and highlights the need for both developed and developing nations to implement comprehensive and ambitious strategies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. India's position in the index offers a mixed picture: while its renewable energy growth and low per capita emissions are commendable, its continued reliance on coal and the projected increase in coal production represent significant hurdles to achieving its ambitious climate targets. The report implicitly suggests a need for a more balanced approach to economic growth and environmental sustainability in India's future policy decisions.
The CCPI report serves as a valuable assessment of global climate action. While it celebrates successes, such as India's renewable energy progress, it also critically examines the shortcomings and persistent challenges. The report's emphasis on the need for stronger climate policies, particularly regarding coal reliance, highlights the complexity of balancing economic development with environmental protection. The fact that no country secured a top ranking underscores the urgency for concerted global efforts to address climate change. The future trajectory of India's climate performance will heavily depend on its ability to effectively transition away from its coal dependency and implement more stringent measures to reduce greenhouse gas emissions while ensuring sustainable economic growth. The report's conclusions serve as a call to action for India and other nations to strengthen their commitments and accelerate their efforts towards a low-carbon future. International collaboration and technology transfer will play crucial roles in supporting developing nations, such as India, in their transition to cleaner energy sources and sustainable development practices.