Indias commitment to battling climate change continues to shine through, as evidenced by its ranking in the latest Climate Change Performance Index (CCPI). Despite slipping two places from last years 7th position to 10th, India remains one of the highest-performing countries in the fight against global warming. The 20th edition of the CCPI shows Indias continued progress in addressing climate challenges, even as it faces significant hurdles due to its growing population and reliance on coal.

The CCPI evaluates 63 countries and the European Union, which together generate 90%+ of global greenhouse gas emissions. The report, released on the sidelines of the COP climate talks in early November, reveals that India, along with the UK (ranked 6th), is one of only two G20 nations featured in the high performers list. Denmark, the Netherlands, and the UK lead the pack, with rankings in the top five. Interestingly, the first three spots remain vacantan indication that no country has performed well enough across all categories to earn a very high rating.

Indias Progress

India ranks particularly well in two key areas: Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Emissions and Energy Use. Indias relatively low per capita emissions and energy use are significant advantages. However, its performance in Renewable Energy remains a concern, and Climate Policy receives a medium rating.

Renewable energy has been a focal point for India, with rapid expansion over the past decade. Indias solar power capacity has grown substantially, aided by large-scale projects and initiatives such as the Rooftop Solar Scheme. Moreover, the country has made strides in promoting electric vehicles (EVs), particularly two-wheelers. However, experts emphasize that more support is needed for off-grid and rooftop solar systems, which could further enhance Indias renewable energy landscape.

At the same time, India remains heavily reliant on coal. The country is among the worlds largest producers and consumers of this fossil fuel. The CCPI highlights that while there has been some progress in reducing coal dependency, the phase-out is moving too slowly. India is also planning to increase its indigenous coal production, which poses a significant challenge to its long-term climate goals.

Challenges and Recommendations

While Indias efforts are commendable, the report underscores that the all countries need to do more to avoid dangerous climate change. The CCPI results indicate that even if all countries were to perform at the level of the current frontrunners, global efforts would still fall short of the ambitious targets set in the Paris Agreementkeeping global warming well below 2C, ideally 1.5C.

One of the key recommendations from the experts is that India should expand its Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) to include sectors beyond emissions and electricity, such as transport, industry, housing, and water. These sectors are crucial in reducing Indias overall carbon footprint and will require more focused policy and investment.

A Global Context: Emissions and Energy Use

Indias position as the worlds most populous country comes with unique challenges. While its emissions per capita are relatively low, the sheer size of its population means that the absolute volume of emissions is significant. However, Indias progress in reducing emissions and increasing renewable energy usage positions it as a leader among emerging economies.

In stark contrast, the worlds largest emitters, China and the United States, remain among the lowest-ranked countries in the CCPI55th and 57th, respectively. Both countries are lagging behind in their climate policies and are viewed as very low performers in this years rankings. Similarly, Iran, Saudi Arabia, Russia, and the UAEmajor oil and gas producersoccupy the bottom ranks, with no clear signs of a shift away from fossil fuel reliance.

Despite slipping two places, the presence of India in the top 10 of the Climate Change Performance Index underscores the countrys commitment to tackling climate change. As the most populous country in the world, India has the potential to lead by example, balancing development with sustainability. While there are still significant challenges ahead, the countrys renewable energy push and efforts in electric mobility are promising steps toward a more sustainable future.