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December 9, 2023
Introduction:
India has secured the seventh position in climate performance during 2022, making significant progress over the previous year when it held the eighth spot. This positive trajectory places India effectively fourth, considering the absence of countries in the first three ranks within the ‘very high’ performance category. The rankings are part of the annual report, Climate Change Performance Index (CCPI) 2024, published on the sidelines of COP28 in Dubai on December 8.
Findings from the Report
Top Performers
- Denmark retained the top spot with a remarkable score of 75.59%, showcasing consistent commitment to climate action.
- Estonia and the Philippines secured the second and third ranks, with scores of 72.07 and 70.70, respectively.
- India closely followed with a score of 70.25%, demonstrating significant improvement from the previous year’s score of 67.35.
Global Trends in Climate Performance
- Most developed countries, including the United Kingdom, the United States, and Italy, showed a decline in climate performance compared to the previous year.
- Saudi Arabia ranked at the bottom (67th), while the host country, the United Arab Emirates, occupied the 65th position.
Urgent Need for Global Action
- The report emphasizes that CCPI countries must achieve an emissions peak by 2025 to align with the 1.5°C goal and aim to halve emissions by 2030 (vs 2020 levels).
- Despite the urgency, global greenhouse gases (GHG) increased in 2022, with atmospheric CO2 now 50% higher than pre-industrial levels.
Challenges and Opportunities for India
- India’s high population, contributing to lower per capita energy use, plays a significant role in its high position in climate performance.
- In GHG Emissions and Energy Use categories, India ranked 9th and 10th, respectively, benefiting from a low per capita benchmark.
- However, in Renewable Energy, India is ranked 37th, indicating a need for accelerated progress.
Concerns Over Coal Dependency
- The report highlights India’s reliance on coal for meeting growing energy needs, contributing to GHG emissions and severe air pollution, particularly in cities.
Global Perspectives on Climate Performance
- Of the 64 countries assessed, 37 countries showed a decline in performance compared to the previous year, highlighting the ongoing challenges in reducing emissions globally.