India has secured the 10th position on a comprehensive list evaluating the climate action efforts of over 60 countries, despite experiencing a decline of two places compared to the previous year. The assessment commended India for its notably low per capita emissions and the swift implementation of renewable energy solutions, according to a detailed report released on Wednesday.

The Climate Change Performance Index (CCPI 2025), unveiled during the annual UN climate conference, notably leaves the top three positions unoccupied. Denmark and the Netherlands follow in fourth and fifth places, respectively, while the world’s largest carbon emitters, China and the United States, are positioned significantly lower at 55th and 57th, a stark reflection of their insufficient climate strategies.

Published collaboratively by leading think tanks Germanwatch, New Climate Institute, and Climate Action Network International, the CCPI meticulously tracks and evaluates the climate progress of the globe’s largest greenhouse gas emitters, focusing specifically on emissions levels, the adoption of renewable resources, and the implementation of effective climate policies.

The report assessed a total of 63 countries, alongside the European Union, which collectively bear responsibility for a staggering 90 percent of global emissions. India’s 10th-place ranking underscores its position as one of the highest performers in climate action within this critical group.

Significantly, the report cautioned that substantial modifications to India’s climate policy are unlikely in the near future. It projects that India’s growth-oriented strategy towards climate action will not only persist but may even become more pronounced due to escalating energy demands driven by industrial growth and an increasing population.

“While India is the world’s most populous country, it has relatively low per capita emissions and energy use. Renewables have expanded rapidly over the last decade, and India aspires to play a leading role in green energy on the global stage,” the international climate think tanks observed. This reflects a commitment to balancing development with sustainable practices.

India’s current per capita emissions amount to 2.9 tons of CO2 equivalent (tCO2e), significantly below the global average of 6.6 tCO2e. The nation, recognized as the third-largest emitter of greenhouse gases and the fastest-growing major economy, has charted a course towards achieving net-zero emissions by the year 2070. Furthermore, India has ambitious plans to attain a renewable energy capacity of 500 gigawatts by 2030, based on official government data.

According to CCPI experts, over the past year, India has made remarkable strides in enhancing its renewable energy framework, particularly with the advancement of large-scale solar power projects and the introduction of the Rooftop Solar Scheme, which aims to promote solar energy accessibility for residential users.

Although energy efficiency standards have been established, experts noted that their implementation remains insufficient across various sectors. Simultaneously, India is making headway in the deployment of electric vehicles, notably prioritizing two-wheeled electric options to encourage sustainable transportation alternatives.

The experts acknowledged that despite these optimistic developments, India continues to depend heavily on coal as its primary energy source. “India is among the 10 countries with the largest developed coal reserves and is currently planning to increase its production,” the report stated, highlighting the challenges that remain in transitioning to cleaner energy sources.

The report deliberately leaves the first three places empty, indicating that no country demonstrated performance across all assessed categories that would warrant an overall “very high” rating, underscoring the global difficulty in achieving robust climate action.

Considering the significant gap between commitments and‌ actual performance among major emitters, what steps can countries take to improve their climate action ratings and fulfill their climate goals effectively?

**Interview with Dr. Anil Kumar, Climate Policy Expert**

**Editor:** Welcome, Dr. Kumar! With the ⁣recent release of the Climate Change⁤ Performance Index (CCPI) for 2025, India has been ranked 10th in⁤ climate action despite a slight drop from the previous year. ⁢What does this ranking signify for India’s ​position in global climate efforts?

**Dr. Kumar:** Thank you for having ⁤me. India’s 10th position highlights its commitment to​ climate action,‌ particularly in the context​ of its low per capita‍ emissions compared to‍ other nations. This ranking, although two spots lower than last year, still places India among the​ top climate ‍performers,⁢ which is notable given its⁤ status as the world’s most populous country. It shows that India is balancing development and⁣ sustainability while rapidly expanding its renewable​ energy capabilities.

**Editor:** The report notes that the top three positions remain unoccupied. What does this imply about the global ‌commitment to climate action?

**Dr.⁢ Kumar:** The⁢ absence of leading ⁢countries in the top ranks suggests that many nations are struggling to meet​ their climate goals effectively. It underscores a critical gap between commitments and actual performance, especially among the largest carbon emitters like China and the U.S., which are ranked much ⁣lower‌ at 55th and 57th,‍ respectively. This situation is concerning, as ⁤these countries contribute significantly to global emissions.

**Editor:** The CCPI evaluated countries based on emissions levels and renewable energy adoption. How has India demonstrated progress in these areas?

**Dr. Kumar:** India⁤ has made impressive strides in renewable energy, particularly in solar‌ and ​wind‍ power,⁣ contributing significantly to ‌its energy mix. This‌ rapid expansion of ‌renewables‌ has been crucial, as it aligns with the country’s aspirations to lead in ​green energy initiatives globally. Despite rapid industrial growth and ⁢an increasing population, India has managed to keep per capita emissions relatively low, reflecting a strong focus on sustainability.

**Editor:** The report suggests that significant changes to India’s climate policy are unlikely soon. What can we expect moving forward with India’s climate strategy?

**Dr. Kumar:** The projections indicate that India will continue with‌ a growth-oriented climate strategy. This means that while we might not see drastic policy shifts in the immediate term, India is likely to⁢ enhance its efforts in renewable energy and energy efficiency as it addresses rising demands. This approach reflects a recognition of ⁣the need to support economic growth while also responding to climate change challenges.

**Editor:** What is your outlook on India’s potential role in global climate ‍action moving forward?

**Dr. Kumar:** India is poised to play a pivotal role in global climate efforts, especially as it ⁣continues to expand its renewable energy sector. With ‍the right policies and investment, India can⁤ not only meet its domestic energy needs sustainably but also contribute significantly to international climate goals. This dual focus on development and sustainable practices may serve as a model for other developing countries striving for similar balances.

**Editor:** Thank you, Dr. Kumar, for your insights on this crucial topic. It will be interesting to see how India navigates⁣ its path in climate action in the coming years.

**Dr. Kumar:**‍ Thank you for ⁤having me. It’s an important⁤ conversation, and I look forward to seeing how these developments unfold!