Climate Change Performance Index 2025 – A Must-Know Topic for UPSC Aspirants
Introduction
Climate change is not a future threat anymore—it’s a current and urgent crisis. From deadly heatwaves and devastating floods to uncontrollable wildfires and rising sea levels, the effects of climate change are visible all around us. For students preparing for the UPSC exam, a strong grasp of global environmental efforts, especially international indices and reports, is essential.
One such vital tool is the Climate Change Performance Index (CCPI). This index often finds its way into UPSC prelims and mains under Environment, Reports, and International Organizations. In this article, we’ll break down the CCPI 2025, India’s performance, and explore the IPBES Nexus Report that connects climate change with other global crises.
What is the Climate Change Performance Index (CCPI)?
The Climate Change Performance Index (CCPI) is an annual report that evaluates and ranks countries based on their climate action efforts. It assesses how well nations are working towards reducing greenhouse gas emissions and transitioning to renewable energy sources.
Developed By:
Germanwatch
Climate Action Network (CAN) International
NewClimate Institute
Countries Covered:
The index assesses 63 countries + the European Union, which together contribute to more than 90% of global GHG emissions.
Objective:
To promote transparency and push for stronger climate action by evaluating countries on their progress and encouraging accountability in international climate policy.
Methodology: How is CCPI Scored?
The CCPI is based on a composite score that evaluates countries across four major categories:
Category Weightage
Greenhouse Gas Emissions 40%
Renewable Energy 20%
Energy Use 20%
Climate Policy 20%
Each category is scored based on how closely a country is aligning with the targets of the Paris Agreement.
CCPI 2025: Important Highlights
No Top Rank This Year
As in previous years, no country has achieved a score high enough to secure the top 1st, 2nd, or 3rd positions in 2025. This shows that while progress is being made, no nation is yet performing at an exemplary level across all areas of climate action.
Top 10 Countries in CCPI 2025
Rank Country Score
1–3 Vacant –
4 Denmark 78.37
5 Netherlands 69.60
6 United Kingdom 69.29
7 Philippines 68.41
8 Morocco 68.32
9 Norway 68.21
10 India 67.99
Denmark leads the index (occupying 4th place), performing especially well in renewable energy and climate policy.
India retains a spot in the top 10, though it has slipped two positions compared to last year.
Bottom 10 Countries in CCPI 2025
Rank Country Score
58 Japan 39.23
59 Argentina 35.96
60 Chinese Taipei 34.87
61 Kazakhstan 33.43
62 Canada 28.37
63 South Korea 26.42
64 Russia 23.54
65 UAE 19.54
66 Saudi Arabia 18.15
67 Iran 17.47
These countries scored poorly due to:
Continued reliance on fossil fuels
Weak climate legislation
Lack of commitment to renewable energy targets
🇮🇳 India’s Standing in CCPI 2025
India continues to hold a strong position among global peers. Despite dropping slightly in rank, India is the only large developing economy in the top 10 of the CCPI.
Category-wise Performance:
Parameter Rating
GHG Emissions High
Renewable Energy Low
Energy Use High
Climate Policy Medium
Major Steps Taken by India:
National Solar Mission has scaled up solar energy production significantly.
PM-KUSUM Scheme promotes solar pumps for farmers.
India’s International Solar Alliance (ISA) is a leading initiative for global solar cooperation.
Continued participation in climate negotiations and vocal commitment to the Paris Agreement.
Challenge: Despite progress, India’s dependence on coal for electricity generation remains a major hurdle.
G20 and Global Trends
The G20 group accounts for over 75% of global GHG emissions, making their performance especially critical.
However, in CCPI 2025:
14 out of 20 G20 countries received low or very low ratings.
India and the UK are the only G20 nations in the top 10.
This underlines a concerning trend: wealthier nations are not doing enough to reduce emissions or transition to clean energy, despite having the resources.
Out of 64 countries in total, only 22 are improving, while 42 are either stagnant or deteriorating.
Understanding the Nexus Report
For a more holistic understanding, UPSC aspirants must also study the Nexus Assessment Report by the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES).
What Does the Report Highlight?
The report draws attention to five interconnected global crises:
1. Climate Change
2. Biodiversity Loss
3. Food Insecurity
4. Water Scarcity
5. Public Health Threats
Core Idea
Solving one problem in isolation can worsen others. For instance:
Expanding agriculture to fight hunger may deplete water resources or destroy biodiversity.
Cutting down forests can lead to zoonotic disease outbreaks like COVID-19.
IPBES Recommendations:
Integrated Policy Planning: Work across sectors and departments.
Nature-Based Solutions: Restore ecosystems like forests and mangroves.
Dietary Shifts: Encourage plant-based diets to reduce ecological footprint.
Health Security: Protect wildlife to avoid the next pandemic.
UPSC Practice Question (MCQ)
Q. Consider the following statements about the CCPI 2025:
1. The top three ranks have not been assigned because no country achieved a “very high” performance level.
2. The index evaluates countries based on GHG emissions, energy use, renewable energy, and climate policy.
3. Denmark is the highest-ranked country, positioned at 4th.
How many of the above statements are correct?
Options: (a) Only one
(b) Only two
(c) All three
(d) None
Correct Answer: (c) All three
The Climate Change Performance Index (CCPI) 2025 is more than just a set of rankings—it reflects global progress (or the lack thereof) on climate goals. For UPSC aspirants, understanding this index is crucial for Environment, Geography, and International Relations segments.
India’s position, though promising, comes with significant challenges that need long-term, sustainable solutions. At the same time, the Nexus Report reminds us that climate change doesn’t exist in a vacuum—it is deeply tied to food, water, biodiversity, and health.
In a world facing planetary boundaries, preparing for UPSC means not just learning facts but understanding their interconnections and implications.
Sources:
Climate Change Performance Index (CCPI) 2025 – Germanwatch, CAN International, NewClimate Institute
IPBES Nexus Assessment Report 2024
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