Climate Change Performance Index 2027, India Slips to 28th Rank

The Climate Change Performance Index 2027, released by Germanwatch and the NewClimate Institute at COP31 in Antalya, Türkiye, assesses how effectively 64 countries and the EU, together responsible for over 90% of global greenhouse gas emissions, are tackling climate change. India ranked 28th with 60.85 points, down five positions, as its renewable energy progress was offset by continued coal dependence, rising emissions and weak grid infrastructure. 

What Is the Climate Change Performance Index 2027?

• About the index: An independent monitoring tool that evaluates and compares countries’ climate protection efforts, tracking progress on emission reductions, renewable energy and climate policy.
• Launched in 2005: Published annually since 2005 to improve transparency in climate action and encourage stronger commitments.
• Publishing organisations: Jointly published by Germanwatch and the NewClimate Institute, with support from Climate Action Network International (CAN International).
• Global coverage: CCPI 2027 covers 64 countries and the EU, which together produce over 90% of global greenhouse gas emissions.
• Assessment framework: Uses 14 indicators in four categories: Greenhouse Gas Emissions, Renewable Energy, Energy Use and Climate Policy. Around 500 climate and energy experts contribute to the policy assessment.
• Main objective: Identifies countries making progress and those falling behind, and checks whether national actions align with the Paris Agreement goal of limiting warming to 1.5°C.

Climate Change Performance Index 2027 Key Highlights

The CCPI 2027 reveals significant differences in climate performance across countries. While some nations are making progress in reducing emissions and expanding renewable energy, others continue to depend heavily on fossil fuels.

• Top three ranks vacant: No country achieved a ‘Very High’ rating, showing that even the best performers are not meeting Paris Agreement goals.
• Denmark (4th, 84.05 points): Top-ranked for the sixth consecutive year, driven by emission cuts and renewable energy progress.
• Other leaders: Lithuania (5th), Luxembourg (6th), UK (7th), Morocco (8th), Chile (9th).
• G20 performance: The UK is the only G20 country with a ‘High’ rating, while ten G20 countries are rated ‘Very Low’.
• India (28th, ‘Medium’): Down five places from 23rd (CCPI 2026) and 10th (CCPI 2025).
• European Union (19th, ‘Medium’): Up one place. France (20th) and Germany (25th) are also in the medium category.
• China (56th): Held back by high fossil fuel emissions, despite rapid renewable energy and electrification growth.
• Lowest ranked: Iran (68th), USA (67th), Russia (66th), Saudi Arabia (65th), UAE (64th), all due to fossil fuel dependence.
• Argentina (60th): The major declining performer, owing to climate policy rollbacks, weakened environmental institutions and expanding oil and gas activity.

Top Countries in the Climate Change Performance Index 2027

The table below lists the top-performing and selected other countries in the Climate Change Performance Index 2027, showing their ranks and performance ratings. 

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India’s Position in Climate Change Performance Index 2027

India ranked 28th in the Climate Change Performance Index 2027, down five positions from last year, with an overall score of 60.85 and a ‘Medium’ rating. Despite gains in renewable energy, the report flagged challenges in India’s transition to a low-carbon economy.

India’s Performance in CCPI 2027

• Decline in ranking: India fell from 23rd in CCPI 2026 to 28th, an 18-place drop from 10th in CCPI 2025, but kept an overall ‘Medium’ rating.
• Indicator ratings: ‘Medium’ in Greenhouse Gas Emissions, Energy Use and Climate Policy. Renewable Energy was rated ‘Low’ overall, though its trend indicator was ‘High’ due to rapid clean energy expansion.
• Renewable energy growth: Strong progress in solar, wind, rooftop solar and electric vehicles, supported by competitive auctions and incentives for domestic manufacturing.
• Non-fossil capacity target: In June 2025, non-fossil sources reached 50% of installed capacity, meeting the 2030 NDC target five years early. However, installed capacity does not reflect the actual share of clean electricity generated.
• 2035 climate targets: The NDC for 2031-2035 aims to cut emissions intensity of GDP by 47% from 2005 levels, raise non-fossil capacity to around 60% and create a carbon sink of 3.5-4 billion tonnes of CO₂ equivalent.
• Electricity infrastructure: Inadequate transmission, limited storage and insufficient grid flexibility are major obstacles. Ember reports about 2.3 TWh of solar generation was curtailed between late May and December 2025.
• Coal dependence: Coal remains a major power source. Despite the net-zero by 2070 goal, the report notes no comprehensive, time-bound roadmap to reduce reliance on coal, oil and gas.
• Rising emissions and energy use: Increasing per-capita emissions and energy consumption remain concerns, requiring better energy efficiency and wider clean energy use across sectors.
• Climate initiatives: The Carbon Credit Trading Scheme, energy efficiency programmes and electric mobility initiatives. Since January 2026, emissions-intensity targets cover 490 industrial entities.
• Climate justice: India advocates CBDR-RC and seeks greater climate finance and technology transfer from developed countries.
• Government’s response: Officials disagreed with the assessment, citing rapid renewable expansion, early achievement of the non-fossil target and the importance of coal for energy security and development.

What Are the Key Indicators Used in the Climate Change Performance Index?

The Climate Change Performance Index evaluates countries using 14 indicators grouped into four categories, each carrying a specific weight in the overall climate performance score.

• Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Emissions (40%) : The highest-weighted category, covering current emissions, historical trends and future reduction targets, and whether they align with international climate goals.
• Renewable Energy (20%) : Assesses the share and growth of solar, wind and hydropower, and whether current use and targets are enough to support global climate objectives.
• Energy Use (20%) : Examines energy consumption, per-capita use and efficiency improvements, showing how well countries manage demand while supporting growth and cutting emissions.
• Climate Policy (20%) : Evaluates national and international climate policies, including commitments, implementation and participation in global agreements. Around 500 climate and energy experts contribute to this assessment.

Why Is the Climate Change Performance Index Important?

The Climate Change Performance Index tracks global climate action, compares national policies and encourages countries to cut greenhouse gas emissions.

• Measures climate performance: Gives an independent assessment of progress on emission cuts, renewable energy, energy efficiency and policy.
• Promotes transparency: Annual rankings show whether countries are meeting their climate commitments.
• Tracks Paris Agreement goals: Identifies gaps between current policies and the action needed to limit global warming.
• Encourages stronger policies: Highlights weaknesses in national strategies and pushes for better measures.
• Supports cooperation: Informs COP discussions and the need for climate finance and technology transfer.
• Identifies transition challenges: Flags fossil fuel dependence, weak renewable infrastructure and poor energy efficiency.
• Highlights climate justice: Draws attention to differing responsibilities, development needs and financial capabilities, especially for developing economies like India.
• Guides India’s climate action: Shows that renewable capacity alone is not enough; India also needs investment in grids, storage, emission cuts and effective policy implementation.