• India climbed two spots to rank eighth out of 63 in the Climate Change Performance Index (CCPI) 2023, thanks to its low emissions and the increasing use of renewable energy.

• With India (8th), the United Kingdom (11th), and Germany (16th), only three G20 countries are among the high performers in CCPI 2023.

• The report was published by three environmental non-governmental organisations that track climate performance of the European Union and 59 countries.

How is the Index prepared?

• The rankings by Germanwatch, NewClimate Institute and the Climate Action Network are based on how well the countries are doing to halve their emissions by 2030 — an essential aspect to keep the 1.5°C goal within reach and prevent dangerous climate change.

• The CCPI, which has been published since 2005, aims to enhance transparency in international climate politics and it enables comparison of individual countries' climate protection efforts and progress.

• The CCPI evaluates 59 countries and the European Union, which together generate over 90 per cent of global greenhouse gas emissions.

• Using standardised criteria, the CCPI looks at four categories, with 14 indicators: greenhouse gas emissions (40 per cent of the overall score), renewable energy (20 per cent), energy use (20 per cent), and climate policy (20 per cent).

• The CCPI’s unique climate policy section evaluates countries’ progress in implementing policies working towards achieving the Paris Agreement goals.

Why are the first three positions in the ranking unoccupied?

• The report leaves the first three places empty as no country performed well enough in all index categories to achieve an overall very high rating. 

• It puts Denmark in fourth place, followed by Sweden and Chile.

• The rankings are based on how well the countries are doing to halve their emissions by 2030 — an essential aspect to keep the 1.5°C goal within reach and prevent dangerous climate change.

• The CCPI, which has been published since 2005, aims to enhance transparency in international climate politics and it enables comparison of individual countries' climate protection efforts and progress.

Scenario in India

• India is on track to meet its 2030 emissions targets, compatible with a well-below 2°C scenario. However, the renewable energy pathway is not on track for the 2030 target.

• Since the last CCPI, India has updated its Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) and announced a net-zero target for 2070. 

• Net-zero means achieving a balance between the greenhouse gases put into the atmosphere and those taken out.

• The NDCs are national plans to limit global temperature rise to well below 2°C, preferably to 1.5°C in accordance with the Paris Agreement.

• In August, India released its updated NDCs and now stands committed to reducing emissions intensity of its GDP by 45 per cent by 2030 from the 2005 level.

• It aims to achieve about 50 per cent cumulative electric power installed capacity from non-fossil fuel-based energy resources by 2030. These NDCs are, however, contingent on delivery of finance and technology transfer.

• Despite India’s medium rating in the Renewable Energy category, the country has included renewables targets in its updated NDC. Yet, the experts cite missing roadmaps and concrete action plans for achieving the targets.

• Experts stressed on the importance of a just and inclusive energy transition, as well as the need for decentralised renewable energy and capacities for rooftop photovoltaics.

• A carbon-pricing mechanism, the need for more capacities at the sub-national level and concrete action plans for achieving the targets are key demands.

• India is among the nine countries responsible for 90 per cent of global coal production and it also plans to increase its oil, gas, and oil production by over 5 per cent by 2030.

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