Daily Current Affairs : 23-November-2024

The Climate Change Performance Index (CCPI) is a tool used to assess the climate protection performance of countries worldwide. It evaluates how well countries are addressing climate change based on various indicators, helping to track their progress in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and promoting sustainability.

What is the CCPI?

The CCPI was first published in 2005 and is an initiative led by organizations like Germanwatch, NewClimate Institute, and the Climate Action Network. Its primary aim is to monitor and compare climate mitigation efforts of 63 countries and the European Union (EU), which together are responsible for over 90% of global greenhouse gas emissions. The CCPI helps increase transparency in climate policies and encourages nations to improve their efforts toward tackling climate change.

Key Indicators Used in the CCPI

The CCPI evaluates countries based on four main indicators:

  • GHG Emissions: Measures the level of greenhouse gas emissions produced by the country.
  • Renewable Energy: Assesses the share of energy that comes from renewable sources.
  • Energy Use: Looks at the energy consumption patterns and efficiency.
  • Climate Policy: Evaluates the strength of national climate policies and actions.
Top Ranking Countries in CCPI 2025

In the 2025 report, no country received a “very high” rating overall. However, Denmark maintained its 4th-place ranking, making it the highest-ranked country among those surveyed. Interestingly, no country made it to the top three, indicating the global challenges in addressing climate change.

India’s Performance in the CCPI 2025

India performed well in the 2025 CCPI, ranking 10th among the 64 countries assessed. This places India among the highest performers in terms of climate action, reflecting its efforts to combat climate change despite facing unique challenges.

India’s Category Ratings:

  • GHG Emissions: High – India still has high greenhouse gas emissions, although efforts to reduce them are ongoing.
  • Energy Use: High – Energy consumption is significant, although it remains low per capita due to the country’s large population.
  • Climate Policy: Medium – India’s climate policies have made progress, but more needs to be done to reach global climate targets.
  • Renewable Energy: Low – India is working to increase its renewable energy capacity, but the share of renewable energy in the total mix is still low.
Strengths of India’s Climate Efforts

India has made notable progress in some areas:

  • Renewable Energy Expansion: The country has rapidly expanded its renewable energy sector, particularly with large-scale solar power projects.
  • Energy Efficiency and Electric Vehicles: India has introduced energy efficiency standards and is promoting the adoption of electric vehicles to reduce emissions.
  • Low Per Capita Emissions: Despite being the most populous country in the world, India has relatively low per capita emissions compared to other large economies.
Challenges Facing India

However, there are still significant challenges:

  • Coal Dependency: India continues to rely heavily on coal for energy production, and the transition away from coal has been slow.
  • Limited Sector Inclusion: Sectors such as transport, housing, and water are not yet fully integrated into India’s climate targets, which may slow progress toward achieving global climate goals.
Important Points
  • CCPI Overview:
    • First published in 2005, the CCPI evaluates climate performance of 63 countries and the EU.
    • It is published by Germanwatch, NewClimate Institute, and Climate Action Network.
    • Aims to monitor climate mitigation efforts and enhance transparency in global climate policies.
    • Countries are assessed based on GHG emissions, renewable energy, energy use, and climate policy.
  • Top Rankings:
    • Denmark ranks 4th, the highest of all countries surveyed, with no country in the top 3.
    • No country received a “very high” overall rating.
  • India’s Performance:
    • India ranks 10th in the 2025 CCPI, placing it among the highest performers.
    • Only 22 out of 64 countries (including the EU) are on track with their climate targets, including India and the UK.
  • India’s Category Ratings:
    • GHG Emissions: High – Efforts to reduce emissions are ongoing, but still significant.
    • Energy Use: High – Energy consumption is high, though low per capita due to large population.
    • Climate Policy: Medium – Progress made, but further improvements needed in policy strength.
    • Renewable Energy: Low – Still working on increasing the share of renewable energy in the energy mix.
  • Strengths of India’s Climate Efforts:
    • Rapid Renewable Energy Expansion: Notable growth in solar power projects.
    • Energy Efficiency & Electric Vehicles: Introduction of energy efficiency standards and promotion of electric vehicles.
    • Low Per Capita Emissions: Despite being the most populous country, India’s emissions are relatively low per capita.
  • Challenges for India:
    • Coal Dependence: Slow progress in reducing reliance on coal for energy.
    • Sector Inclusion: Limited inclusion of sectors like transport, housing, and water in climate targets.
Why In News

The Climate Change Performance Index (CCPI) 2025 evaluates the climate protection performance of 63 countries and the EU, collectively responsible for over 90% of global greenhouse gas emissions, providing a crucial benchmark for assessing global efforts in combating climate change and fostering international accountability.

MCQs about Climate Change Performance Index (CCPI) 2025
  1. What is the primary aim of the Climate Change Performance Index (CCPI)?
    A. To measure the economic growth of countries
    B. To evaluate climate protection performance and compare efforts globally
    C. To promote renewable energy projects
    D. To track deforestation rates worldwide
    Correct Answer: B. To evaluate climate protection performance and compare efforts globally
    Explanation: The primary aim of the CCPI is to monitor and compare the climate mitigation efforts of countries to enhance transparency in global climate policies and actions.
  2. Which country ranked 1st in the CCPI 2025?
    A. India
    B. Denmark
    C. United Kingdom
    D. No country ranked 1st
    Correct Answer: D. No country ranked 1st
    Explanation: In the 2025 CCPI, no country received a “very high” rating, and Denmark ranked 4th, making it the highest-ranked country. No country made it to the top 3.
  3. Which of the following is a strength of India’s climate efforts as per the CCPI 2025?
    A. High reliance on coal energy
    B. Rapid expansion of renewable energy, especially solar power
    C. Limited use of electric vehicles
    D. High per capita greenhouse gas emissions
    Correct Answer: B. Rapid expansion of renewable energy, especially solar power
    Explanation: India’s strength lies in the rapid expansion of renewable energy, particularly through large-scale solar power projects, which is part of its effort to reduce emissions.
  4. What is one of the challenges India faces in its climate performance according to the CCPI 2025?
    A. Lack of renewable energy sources
    B. Slow progress in reducing coal dependency
    C. Over-reliance on electric vehicles
    D. Strong climate policies
    Correct Answer: B. Slow progress in reducing coal dependency
    Explanation: A significant challenge for India is its continued reliance on coal for energy production, which has slowed the country’s transition to cleaner energy sources and impacted its overall climate performance.

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