Overview
India’s Declining Position In The Global Climate Performance Index: India’s fall in the Climate Change Performance Index 2026 has renewed the debate on its climate readiness. The country has slipped 13 places to rank 23rd, marking its sharpest decline in recent editions. The report highlights mixed progress—strong growth in renewables but persistent reliance on coal and uneven climate policy signals.
Understanding the Climate Change Performance Index
The CCPI evaluates 63 countries along with the European Union, covering over 90% of global GHG emissions. It assesses performance under four pillars: GHG emissions, renewable energy, energy use, and climate policy.
No country occupies the top three ranks, as none is aligned with keeping global warming within safe limits. The 2026 edition was released during COP30 in Belem, Brazil.
Static GK fact: COP stands for Conference of the Parties, the supreme decision-making body under the UNFCCC.
India’s Ranking And Score
India now stands at 23rd position with a score of 61.31, shifting from the “high” to “medium” performance category. The country scores medium in emissions, energy use, and climate policy but receives a low rating in renewable energy development.
The index lists India as one of the largest producers of coal, oil, and gas, indicating structural tensions between development goals and global climate ambitions.
Renewable Energy Growth And Challenges
India has made notable progress in renewables. Non-fossil sources now contribute over half of the installed power capacity, and renewable energy accounts for roughly 14% of the energy mix.
The country has reached 50% non-fossil installed capacity ahead of its 2030 target. Solar—particularly rooftop installations—has grown rapidly.
However, coal remains central to the national energy framework. There is no declared coal exit date, and auctions for new coal blocks continue. Plans to increase coal production add to the challenge of meeting long-term climate targets.
Static GK Tip: India’s largest coal-producing state is Jharkhand, followed by Odisha and Chhattisgarh.
Key Issues Highlighted In CCPI 2026
The report points to weak carbon pricing, persistent fossil fuel subsidies, and slow progress in reducing high-emission infrastructure. It also notes social and ecological conflicts linked to large grid-scale renewable projects.
Experts have emphasised the need for stronger climate governance and clearer long-term commitments.
Recommendations For India
The index recommends a time-bound coal phase-out, including a no-new-coal date and a clear year for peak coal use.
It calls for binding decarbonisation milestones for 2035 and 2040, stronger renewable energy safeguards, and a just transition framework that protects workers, women, smallholders, and vulnerable communities.
Static GK fact: India’s first renewable energy ministry was set up in 1992, now known as the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE).
Static Usthadian Current Affairs Table
India’s Declining Position In The Global Climate Performance Index:
| Topic | Detail |
| India’s Rank in CCPI 2026 | 23rd |
| Fall in Rank | 13 places |
| Total Countries Assessed | 63 + EU |
| Released At | COP30 Belem, Brazil |
| India’s Score | 61.31 |
| Performance Category | Medium |
| Strong Area | Installed non-fossil power capacity |
| Weak Area | Renewable energy rating |
| Key Concern | Continued coal dependence |
| Major Recommendation | Time-bound coal phase-out |
