08 December, 2025
Climate Change Performance Index (CCPI) 2026
Thu 20 Nov, 2025
Context:
- The Climate Change Performance Index (CCPI) 2026 report was released during the ongoing United Nations COP30 Climate Summit in Belém, Brazil.
Key Points
Issuing Organizations:
It is jointly released by three international organizations:
- Germanwatch
- NewClimate Institute
- Climate Action Network International
Publication: Annually since 2005
Coverage: The index tracks the performance of 63 countries and the European Union (EU), which together account for more than 90% of global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.
Objective: Its main aim is to promote transparency in international climate politics and enable comparison of climate protection efforts by various countries. It reflects nations’ progress toward meeting the goals of the Paris Agreement.
Evaluation Criteria:
CCPI assesses country performance in four major categories, each with specific weightage in the total score:
| S. No. | Evaluation Category | Weight in Total Score |
| 1. | Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Emissions | 40% |
| 2. | Renewable Energy | 20% |
| 3. | Energy Use | 20% |
| 4. | Climate Policy | 20% |
Global Overview:
- The top three positions have been left vacant because no country is making sufficient efforts to meet the Paris Agreement’s 1.5°C target.
- Highest-ranked country: Denmark (4th position)
- Top performers (Top 5): 4. Denmark, 5. United Kingdom, 6. Morocco
- Lowest-ranked countries: Saudi Arabia (67th), Iran (66th), and the United States (65th)
India’s Performance
Overall Ranking and Trend:
| Index Year | Rank | Change | Performance Category |
| CCPI 2026 | 23rd | 13-place drop from last year | Medium Performer |
| CCPI 2025 | 10th | – | High Performer |
Main Reasons for Ranking Decline:
- No Coal Phase-out Plan: India has not set a national timeline for phasing out coal use.
- Dependence on Fossil Fuels: India is among the world’s largest producers of oil, gas, and coal, and continues auctioning new coal mining blocks.
- GHG Emission Trends: India’s greenhouse gas emissions have shown a steady increase in recent years.
Performance Across Four Categories (CCPI 2026):
| Category | Rating | Key Points |
| GHG Emissions | Medium | India’s per capita emissions remain much lower than the global average, a positive aspect. |
| Renewable Energy | Low | Despite progress, dependence on coal and issues like land disputes and water stress in large-scale projects reduced the score. |
| Energy Use | Medium | Despite BEE energy efficiency programs, per capita energy consumption continues to rise. |
| Climate Policy | Medium | India’s ambitious 2030 NDC targets are appreciated, but the lack of a coal phase-out strategy weakens policy scores. |
Positive Aspects and Achievements:
- Low Per Capita Emissions: India’s per capita emissions are still significantly lower than many developed nations and the global average, supporting the principle of climate justice.
- Renewable Capacity: India has already surpassed 50% of installed power capacity from non-fossil fuel sources (around 256 GW by 2025), well ahead of the 2030 NDC target.
- International Leadership: India continues to lead multilateral initiatives like the International Solar Alliance (ISA), reflecting its strong global commitment to green energy.
- New Initiatives: Experts appreciated India’s efforts toward developing a Green Finance Taxonomy and the National Carbon Market Framework.









