India Ranks 10th in Global Climate Index Amid Severe AQI in Delhi

India has secured the 10th position in the Climate Change Performance Index (CCPI) 2025, a global evaluation of over 60 countries' efforts to address climate change. Although India dropped two spots from the previous year, the report highlighted its significant strengths, such as low per capita emissions and the rapid expansion of renewable energy.

Top Rankings Left Empty

The first three spots in the Climate Change Performance Index (CCPI) 2025 were left unoccupied, as no country performed well enough to earn a "very high" rating across all categories. Denmark, however, led the rankings in the fourth position, followed by the Netherlands and the United Kingdom (UK). These countries have been praised for their effective climate policies and commitments to renewable energy and energy efficiency.

China's and US's Poor Performance

Among the world's largest emitters, China and the United States continue to rank poorly, occupying the 55th and 57th positions, respectively. Their weak performance in meeting climate targets has been attributed to a heavy reliance on fossil fuels and insufficient action to reduce emissions.

India's Strengths in Climate Performance

India’s relatively low per capita emissions were a notable strength, standing at 2.9 tons of CO2 equivalent, well below the global average of 6.6 tCO2e. The report also lauded India's substantial progress in the renewable energy sector. Notable achievements include large-scale solar energy projects and initiatives like the Rooftop Solar Scheme. India aims to achieve 500 gigawatts of renewable energy capacity by 2030, a goal that underpins the country’s commitment to clean energy.

Despite being the most populous country in the world, India’s emissions and energy use per capita remain comparatively low. This has positioned India as a leader in global climate efforts, particularly among developing nations.

Challenges in India's Climate Policy

Despite the strides made in renewable energy, India still faces considerable challenges in reducing its overall carbon footprint. The country remains heavily dependent on coal, ranking among the top 10 nations with the largest developed coal reserves. Plans to increase coal production to meet the growing energy demand pose significant challenges to India’s climate goals.

Experts have noted that while India’s renewable energy efforts are commendable, its climate policies are unlikely to undergo radical changes in the near future. Economic growth, industrial development, and meeting the demands of a large population continue to be key drivers of policy.

Global Climate Performance Overview

The CCPI assessed a total of 63 countries, including the European Union (EU), which together account for 90% of global emissions. While India and the UK were highlighted as high performers, Argentina ranked 59th due to its new leadership denying the existence of human-driven climate change.

Countries such as Denmark, the Netherlands, and the UK dominated the rankings due to their comprehensive coal phase-out policies and strong commitments to renewable energy. In contrast, major emitters like China and the US continue to lag behind, grappling with coal dependency and insufficient climate action.

The Lowest Performers in the Climate Index

The four lowest-ranking countries in the CCPI were Iran, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Russia, ranked 67th to 64th, respectively. These countries are major producers of oil and gas, and their reliance on fossil fuels has contributed significantly to their poor performance in the climate index.

The continued use of fossil fuels and the lack of substantial climate policies have hindered these countries' ability to meet global climate targets. Their low rankings reflect the broader challenges that oil and gas-dependent nations face in transitioning to a more sustainable, low-carbon economy.