Climate Change Performance Index-2023

In November 2022, the list of Climate Change Performance Index-2023 (Climate Change Performance Index-CCPI 2023) published by Germany-based ‘German Watch, New Climate Institute’ and ‘Climate Action Network International’ was released. To increase transparency in international climate politics, while enabling it to compare climate protection efforts and progress made by individual countries.

This index is released on the basis of climate protection performance of 59 countries and the European Union.The latest CCPI report released at COP 27 in November 2022 showed Denmark, Sweden, Chile and Morocco as the only 4 small countries that were ranked above India at 4th, 5th, 6th and 7th positions respectively.No country was given first, second and third place.

CCPI

• Germanwatch, the New Climate Institute and the Climate Action Network annually since 2005.
• It is an independent monitoring tool for tracking the climate protection performance of 57 countries and the European Union.
• These countries collectively account for more than 92% of global Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Emissions.
• It aims to enhance transparency in international climate politics and enables comparison of climate protection efforts and progress made by individual countries.
• The CCPI looks at four categories, with 14 indicators: GHG Emissions (40% of the overall score), Renewable Energy (20%), Energy Use (20%), and Climate Policy (20%).

India’s Status

• India-+ has been ranked amongst top 5 countries in the world, and the best among the G20 countries.
• India’s rank is the best amongst all large economies.
• India earns a high rating in the GHG Emissions and Energy Use categories, with a medium for Climate Policy and Renewable Energy.
• The country 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.

Concerns

• Since the last CCPI, India has updated its Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) and announced a net zero target for 2070. However, roadmaps and concrete action plans for achieving the targets are missing.
• India is among the nine countries responsible for 90% of global coal production. It also plans to increase its oil, gas, and oil production by over 5% by 2030.
• This is incompatible with the 1.5°C target.

Suggestions

• The experts suggested to lay stress on 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 subnational level, and concrete action plans for achieving the targets are key demands.