India Slips 13 Places In Global Climate Change Index

India has dropped 13 positions to rank 23rd in the latest Climate Change Performance Index (CCPI) 2026, marking its steepest fall in recent years. The assessment highlights a continued dependence on coal, rising greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and weak price signals on carbon, despite strong progress in renewable energy capacity.

What Is The Climate Change Performance Index?

The CCPI 2026 has been released on the sidelines of the UN climate conference (COP30) in Belem, Brazil. It evaluates the climate mitigation performance of 63 countries and the European Union, which together account for over 90% of global GHG emissions. Countries are assessed in four categories: GHG emissions, renewable energy, energy use and climate policy. No country occupies the top three slots, as none is considered compatible with limiting dangerous climate change.

India’s Ranking And Score In CCPI 2026

India now stands at 23rd position with an overall score of 61.31, moving from the “high” to the “medium” performance bracket. It receives a medium rating for GHG emissions, energy use and climate policy, but scores low on renewable energy. The report also lists India among the world’s largest producers of coal, oil and gas, underlining the tension between its development pathway and global climate goals.

Progress On Renewables, But Coal Remains Central

The index notes that India has expanded renewable energy significantly. Non-fossil sources now account for more than half of installed power capacity, and renewables have grown to around 14% of the energy mix over recent years. The country has reached 50% non-fossil installed power capacity ahead of its 2030 target and has rapidly scaled solar, including rooftop installations. However, the national energy pathway is still anchored in coal, with no coal exit date, continued auction of new blocks and plans to increase production.

Exam Oriented Facts

• India ranks 23rd in CCPI 2026, falling 13 places from the previous year.
• CCPI assesses 63 countries and the EU on GHG emissions, renewable energy, energy use and climate policy.
• Denmark, the UK and Morocco hold 4th, 5th and 6th ranks; the top three positions are vacant.
• India has achieved 50% of installed power capacity from non-fossil sources before its 2030 target.

Key Concerns And Recommendations For India

Experts criticise the absence of a time-bound coal phase-down, uneven carbon price signals and fossil fuel subsidies that lock in high-emission infrastructure. They also flag social and environmental conflicts linked to large grid-scale renewable projects. The report calls for a clear coal phase-out plan with a no-new-coal date and a peak coal year, stronger safeguards for renewable siting, binding sectoral and state-level decarbonisation milestones for 2035 and 2040, and a just transition that protects workers, smallholders, women and vulnerable communities.