India Secures 10th Place in Climate Change Performance Index 2025 Amidst Renewable Energy Growth
India ranks 10th in the Climate Change Performance Index (CCPI 2025) out of more than 60 countries. This marks a drop of two positions from last year. The report credits India’s low per capita emissions and fast growth in renewable energy for its strong ranking.
The CCPI report was released at the annual UN climate conference. It leaves the first three spots empty, indicating no country met the criteria for a “very high” performance rating. Denmark and the Netherlands follow India in fourth and fifth places, while the US ranks 57th and China 55th.
The CCPI assesses the world’s largest emitters, which account for 90% of global emissions. Despite its positive ranking, the report states that significant changes in India’s climate policy are unlikely. The country will likely maintain a growth-focused approach to meet rising energy demands from its industry and population.
India has low per capita emissions of 2.9 tons of CO2 equivalent, compared to the global average of 6.6 tons. The country aims for net zero emissions by 2070 and plans to achieve 500 gigawatts of renewable energy by 2030.
What measures can India take to balance economic growth and climate change commitments in the future?
Interview with Dr. Anjali Verma, Climate Policy Specialist
NewsEditor: Thank you for joining us, Dr. Verma. India has dropped to 10th place in the Climate Change Performance Index (CCPI 2025) after a positive trajectory last year. What do you think contributed to this decline?
Dr. Verma: Thank you for having me. The drop to 10th place is primarily due to the increasing urgency of global climate challenges. While India’s per capita emissions are commendably low at 2.9 tons of CO2 equivalent compared to the global average, the global landscape is changing rapidly, and other countries are making significant strides in their climate policies and greenhouse gas reductions.
NewsEditor: The report praises India for its growth in renewable energy. Can you elaborate on the significance of this?
Dr. Verma: Certainly. India’s rapid expansion in renewable energy, particularly solar, represents a crucial shift towards sustainable energy. The government’s target of achieving 500 gigawatts of renewable energy by 2030 is ambitious yet vital for reducing our dependency on fossil fuels. The introduction of schemes like the Rooftop Solar Scheme reflects an acknowledgment of the importance of decentralized energy solutions.
NewsEditor: Despite these advancements, the report suggests that major changes in India’s climate policy are unlikely. Why is this the case?
Dr. Verma: India’s development trajectory heavily relies on industrial growth, which necessitates a substantial increase in energy consumption. This growth-focused approach means that while we can enhance the energy mix with renewables, there’s still a significant dependency on coal, which is expected to expand. The balancing act between economic growth and stringent climate policies is a complex challenge for India.
NewsEditor: You mentioned coal dependency. How does this impact India’s long-term climate goals?
Dr. Verma: Coal remains a cornerstone of India’s energy infrastructure due to its availability and cost-effectiveness. However, increasing coal production while aiming for net-zero emissions by 2070 creates a contradiction. Unless India can accelerate its renewable energy initiatives and improve energy efficiency standards significantly, our coal dependency may hinder achieving our climate targets.
NewsEditor: What steps do you think the government should prioritize to improve its ranking in future CCPI assessments?
Dr. Verma: The focus should be on scaling up renewable energy beyond just solar projects, integrating more energy efficiency measures across various sectors, and diversifying energy sources. Policymaking can foster innovation in technology for electric vehicles, enhance energy storage capacities, and initiate community-based renewable projects. Furthermore, aligning our policies with international climate commitments will be crucial.
NewsEditor: Thank you, Dr. Verma, for sharing your insights on this critical issue.
Dr. Verma: Thank you for having me. It’s vital that we continue this conversation as India navigates its energy future amidst global climate challenges.
Over the past year, India has made strides in renewable energy, particularly in large-scale solar projects. It has also launched the Rooftop Solar Scheme. Energy efficiency standards have begun to improve, though they are not yet comprehensive. The country is also increasing its electric vehicle usage, especially for two-wheelers.
However, India still depends heavily on coal. It has significant coal reserves and plans to boost production, which may hinder its climate progress.