India's Decline in Climate Change Performance Index (CCPI): UPSC Current Affairs Story Arc

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GS-38 events · 2025-06-07 → 2026-02-17

In 2025, India celebrated reaching its 50% non-fossil power capacity target five years ahead of schedule. Yet, just months later at COP30, its global climate rank plummeted from 10th to 23rd—a 13-place crash triggered by a single word: Coal.

Overview

This arc tracks India's volatile trajectory in the Climate Change Performance Index (CCPI) between June 2025 and February 2026. Initially, India was hailed as a 'high performer' (Rank 10) due to aggressive solar and wind investments and low per-capita emissions (2.9 tCO2e). However, the release of the CCPI 2026 at the COP30 summit in Brazil shifted the narrative. Despite meeting renewable targets early, India's refusal to set a coal phase-out timeline and the continued auctioning of coal blocks led to a downgrade to the 'medium performer' category (Rank 23). This arc highlights the tension between India's rapid industrialization needs and its global climate commitments.

How This Story Evolved

Reports establish India's 10th rank (2025) → CCPI 2026 released at COP30 drops India to 23rd → Subsequent analysis confirms coal dependence as the cause.

  1. 2025-06-07: India's Climate Change Performance Index Ranking Drops
    More details

    UPSC Angle: India's Climate Change Performance Index ranking drops to 10th.

    Key Facts:

    • India's CCPI 2025 Rank: 10th
    • India's CCPI 2025 Score: 67.99
    • India's CCPI 2024 Rank: 7th
    • High rating: GHG Emissions and Energy Use
    • Medium rating: Climate Policy
    • Low rating: Renewable Energy
    • CCPI assesses 64 countries and the EU, covering over 90% of global GHG emissions
    • Top three positions in CCPI 2025 were vacant
    • Denmark topped the index at 4th position with a score of 78.37
    • The Netherlands(6th) and the United Kingdom (UK)(7th) followed Denmark
    • The CCPI is published annually by Germanwatch, NewClimate Institute, and Climate Action Network (CAN) International since 2005
  2. 2025-07-19: India's Performance in Climate Change Performance Index 2025
    More details

    UPSC Angle: India secured 10th position in Climate Change Performance Index 2025.

    Key Facts:

    • India's Rank: 10th
    • India is among the high performers
    • Aggressive investments in renewable energy (solar, wind, hydroelectric)
    • Efforts to cut greenhouse gas emissions
    • Challenges: Coal dependency and swift industrialization
  3. 2025-08-31: India's Climate Change Performance Index (CCPI) Ranking
    More details

    UPSC Angle: India ranked 10th in the Climate Change Performance Index 2025.

    Key Facts:

    • India ranked 10th in the Climate Change Performance Index 2025.
    • India is recognized for investments in renewable energy (solar, wind, hydroelectric power).
    • India has adopted energy efficiency programs and aims to cut greenhouse gas emissions.
    • India's per capita emissions are 2.9 tons of CO2 equivalent (tCO2e), below the global average of 6.6 tCO2e.
    • India ranks 23rd in the Climate Change Performance Index (CCPI) 2026.
    • India earns a medium in GHG Emissions, Climate Policy, and Energy Use, and a low in Renewable Energy.
    • In 2025, India reported reaching 50% of installed power capacity from non-fossil sources ahead of the 2030 NDC target.
    • As of September 2025, India's total solar rooftop capacity was 20.8 GW with nearly 9 GW added in the last year.
  4. 2025-11-13: India's Climate Change Performance Index Ranking Drops
    More details

    UPSC Angle: India's CCPI 2026 ranking drops to 23rd.

    Key Facts:

    • India's CCPI 2026 rank: 23rd (down from 10th)
    • India receives a medium rating in GHG emissions, climate policy and energy use, and a low rating in renewable energy
    • Decline attributed to continued dependence on coal and lack of coal phase-out timeline
    • India achieved 50% of its installed power capacity from non-fossil sources in 2025
    • Total solar rooftop capacity was 20.8 GW as of September 2025
    • India has remained among the top 10 countries in the CCPI for six years since 2019
    • CCPI 2026 was released on the sidelines of the ongoing UN climate conference (COP30) in Belém
  5. 2025-11-19: India at COP30 emphasizes climate action
    More details

    UPSC Angle: India at COP30 calls for implementation and delivery on climate promises.

    Key Facts:

    • India will submit its updated 2035 climate goals by December.
    • Non-fossil fuel sources of energy account for more than half of the electricity capacity of India.
    • India achieved some of its climate goals for the decade ending in 2030, five years ahead of schedule.
    • India's climate action has fallen behind other countries, dropping from No. 10 last year to No. 23 this year in the Climate Change Performance Index.
    • India's solar capacity has risen from just 5.7 gigawatts in 2015 to more than 125 gigawatts as of September 2025.
    • COP30 Location: Belém, Brazil
    • India's Emission intensity reduction: over 36% since 2005
    • Non-fossil power capacity: 50% achieved ahead of 2030 deadline
    • India will submit revised NDCs up to 2035
    • India will submit its first Biennial Transparency Report on time
  6. 2025-12-05: India's Performance in Climate Change Performance Index 2025
    More details

    UPSC Angle: India ranked 10th in the Climate Change Performance Index 2025.

    Key Facts:

    • India ranked 10th in the Climate Change Performance Index 2025.
    • India received a medium rating in GHG emissions, climate policy and energy use, and a low rating in renewable energy.
    • India reported reaching 50% of its installed power capacity from non-fossil sources in 2025.
    • India's total solar rooftop capacity was 20.8 GW as of September 2025, with nearly 9 GW added in the last year.
  7. 2026-01-18: India's Climate Performance Index Ranking Drops to 23rd
    More details

    UPSC Angle: India's Climate Performance Index ranking drops to 23rd.

    Key Facts:

    • India ranks 23rd in the Climate Change Performance Index (CCPI) 2026.
    • India fell 13 places from its previous ranking of 10th.
    • The report was released during the UN COP30 Climate Summit in Belém, Brazil.
    • The report is jointly prepared by Germanwatch, NewClimate Institute, and the Climate Action Network.
    • India's score is 61.31.
    • The reason for the drop is the lack of a national coal exit plan and expansion of fossil fuels.
    • India's updated NDC commits to 50% non-fossil capacity by 2030 and a 45% emissions-intensity cut compared with 2005.
    • As of September 2025, India's total solar rooftop capacity was 20.8 GW.
  8. 2026-02-02: India's Climate Performance Ranking Drops in 2026
    More details

    UPSC Angle: India's climate performance ranking dropped to 23rd in CCPI 2026.

    Key Facts:

    • India ranks 23rd in the Climate Change Performance Index (CCPI) 2026.
    • India receives a medium rating in GHG emissions, climate policy, and energy use.
    • India receives a low rating in renewable energy.
    • India has no national coal exit timeline.
    • India's updated NDC commits to 50% non-fossil capacity by 2030.
  9. 2026-02-17: AI-Optimized Grids Could Cut Emissions
    More details

    UPSC Angle: AI-Optimized Grids Could Cut Emissions.

    Key Facts:

    • India serves as the crucial testing ground for affordable, reliable renewable energy solutions.
    • AI-optimized "Grids of the Future" could cut emissions by 30%.
    • Potential to create 2.2 million jobs in India by 2030

Genesis

Trigger

The release of the CCPI 2025 on June 7, 2025, which initially ranked India 10th with a score of 67.99, establishing it as a top-tier global performer.

Why Now

The shift occurred as global monitors moved from rewarding 'future targets' to scrutinizing 'current fossil dependencies' during the COP30 'COP of Implementation'.

Historical Context

India has historically defended its right to use coal for energy security, famously changing 'phase-out' to 'phase-down' at COP26 in Glasgow.

Key Turning Points

  1. [2025-11-13] Release of CCPI 2026 Report at COP30

    It officially downgraded India from 'High' to 'Medium' performer for the first time in years.

    Before: India was a top-10 climate leader. After: India is scrutinized for its 'coal dependency' and lack of a phase-out timeline.

Key Actors and Institutions

NameRoleRelevance
Bhupender YadavUnion Environment MinisterLed the Indian delegation at COP30 in Belém; emphasized India's 36% emission intensity reduction while defending the 'COP of Delivery' framework.

Key Institutions

  • Germanwatch
  • NewClimate Institute
  • Climate Action Network (CAN)
  • Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE)

Key Concepts

Climate Change Performance Index (CCPI)

An independent monitoring tool that tracks climate protection performance of 63 countries across four categories: GHG Emissions (40%), Renewable Energy (20%), Energy Use (20%), and Climate Policy (20%).

Current Fact: India's overall score dropped to 61.31 in the 2026 Index.

Non-Fossil Fuel Capacity

Energy generated from sources other than coal, oil, or gas, including solar, wind, hydro, and nuclear.

Current Fact: India achieved 50% of its installed power capacity from non-fossil sources by September 2025.

Emission Intensity

The volume of greenhouse gas emissions emitted per unit of GDP, indicating how 'green' economic growth is.

Current Fact: India reduced its emissions intensity by over 36% since 2005 as of November 2025.

What Happens Next

Current Status

As of February 2, 2026, India is classified as a 'medium performer' (Rank 23) with a score of 61.31, facing international pressure to provide a coal exit timeline.

Likely Next

India is expected to submit revised NDCs for 2035 by December 2025, which may include more aggressive emission intensity reduction targets to regain its top-10 spot.

Wildcards

A breakthrough in the 'National Green Hydrogen Mission' could drastically reduce industrial coal reliance, potentially reversing the rank decline by the CCPI 2027 report.

Why UPSC Cares

Syllabus Topics

  • Conservation, environmental pollution and degradation, environmental impact assessment
  • Infrastructure: Energy

Essay Angles

  • The Paradox of Progress: Renewable Leadership vs. Fossil Dependency
  • Climate Equity and the Right to Development for Emerging Economies

Prelims Likely: Yes

Mains Likely: Yes

Trend Signal: rising

Exam Intelligence

Previous Year Question Connections

  • Tests India's climate targets: 33-35% emission reduction, 500GW non-fossil capacity, and Net-Zero 2070. — This arc updates these targets with the 2025 fact that India reached 50% non-fossil capacity five years early.
  • Associated COP28 resolutions with 'Net Zero by 2050' and coal phase-down. — The CCPI 2026 decline is explicitly linked to India's failure to move from 'phase-down' (COP28) to a definitive 'exit timeline'.

Prelims Angles

  • The four components of CCPI (GHG, RE, Energy Use, Policy) and their weightage (40/20/20/20).
  • India's per capita CO2 emission (2.9 tCO2e) vs. global average (6.6 tCO2e).
  • Specific solar rooftop capacity achieved by Sept 2025 (20.8 GW).
  • The organizations that jointly publish the CCPI: Germanwatch, NewClimate Institute, and CAN.

Mains Preparation

Sample Question: Analyze the reasons behind India's significant decline in the Climate Change Performance Index (CCPI) 2026 despite achieving its 2030 non-fossil fuel capacity targets ahead of schedule. Suggest measures to balance energy security with climate performance.

Answer Structure: Intro: Contextualize the rank drop (10th to 23rd) → Body 1: Achievements (50% non-fossil cap, 125GW Solar) → Body 2: Reasons for decline (Coal dependency, absence of exit timeline, auctioning of coal blocks) → Critical Analysis: The Energy Security vs. Climate Action dilemma → Way Forward: Green Hydrogen, Grid integration, Carbon Pricing.

Essay Topic: The Green Transition: Between Global Commitments and National Realities

Textbook Connections

Shankar IAS, Chapter 23: India and Climate Change, p. 309

Outlines India's revised NDC target of 50% non-fossil capacity by 2030.

Gap: The textbook lists 2030 as the deadline, but the arc reports India achieved this by 2025, indicating a faster-than-expected infrastructure transition but lagging policy reform.

Quick Revision

  • CCPI 2025 Rank: 10th (Score 67.99)
  • CCPI 2026 Rank: 23rd (Score 61.31)
  • Drop Magnitude: 13 places (High to Medium performer category)
  • Primary Cause: Continued coal reliance and lack of a phase-out timeline
  • Key Milestone: 50% non-fossil power capacity achieved by Sept 2025
  • Solar Stats: 125 GW total; 20.8 GW rooftop solar (Sept 2025)
  • COP30 Location: Belém, Brazil (Release site of 2026 report)
  • Per Capita Emissions: India (2.9 tCO2e) is less than half the global average (6.6 tCO2e)

Key Takeaway

India's climate leadership is no longer judged solely by its renewable energy growth, but increasingly by its ability to provide a definitive roadmap for exiting coal.

All Events in This Story (9 items)

  1. 2025-06-07 [Environment & Ecology] — India's Climate Change Performance Index Ranking Drops
    In the Climate Change Performance Index (CCPI) 2025, India ranked 10th with a score of 67.99, a drop from 7th in 2024, but remains a top performer in global climate action. India received high ratings in Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Emissions and Energy Use, a medium rating in Climate Policy, and a low rating in Renewable Energy. The CCPI 2025 left the top three positions vacant due to no country achieving a 'very high' overall rating.
    More details

    UPSC Angle: India's Climate Change Performance Index ranking drops to 10th.

    Key Facts:

    • India's CCPI 2025 Rank: 10th
    • India's CCPI 2025 Score: 67.99
    • India's CCPI 2024 Rank: 7th
    • High rating: GHG Emissions and Energy Use
    • Medium rating: Climate Policy
    • Low rating: Renewable Energy
    • CCPI assesses 64 countries and the EU, covering over 90% of global GHG emissions
    • Top three positions in CCPI 2025 were vacant
    • Denmark topped the index at 4th position with a score of 78.37
    • The Netherlands(6th) and the United Kingdom (UK)(7th) followed Denmark
    • The CCPI is published annually by Germanwatch, NewClimate Institute, and Climate Action Network (CAN) International since 2005
  2. 2025-07-19 [Environment & Ecology] — India's Performance in Climate Change Performance Index 2025
    India secured the 10th position in the Climate Change Performance Index (CCPI) 2025, indicating a strong performance in renewable energy and emission reduction, though facing challenges like coal dependency and industrialization. Despite a slight drop from previous rankings, India is recognized among the high performers, with aggressive investments in renewable energy and efforts to cut greenhouse gas emissions.
    More details

    UPSC Angle: India secured 10th position in Climate Change Performance Index 2025.

    Key Facts:

    • India's Rank: 10th
    • India is among the high performers
    • Aggressive investments in renewable energy (solar, wind, hydroelectric)
    • Efforts to cut greenhouse gas emissions
    • Challenges: Coal dependency and swift industrialization
  3. 2025-08-31 [Environment & Ecology] — India's Climate Change Performance Index (CCPI) Ranking
    India ranked 10th in the Climate Change Performance Index 2025, indicating strong performance in renewable energy and emission reduction, though still faces challenges such as coal dependency and industrialization. The CCPI assesses countries based on greenhouse gas emissions, renewable energy, energy consumption, and climate policies, with India recognized for its investments in renewable energy and energy efficiency programs.
    More details

    UPSC Angle: India ranked 10th in the Climate Change Performance Index 2025.

    Key Facts:

    • India ranked 10th in the Climate Change Performance Index 2025.
    • India is recognized for investments in renewable energy (solar, wind, hydroelectric power).
    • India has adopted energy efficiency programs and aims to cut greenhouse gas emissions.
    • India's per capita emissions are 2.9 tons of CO2 equivalent (tCO2e), below the global average of 6.6 tCO2e.
    • India ranks 23rd in the Climate Change Performance Index (CCPI) 2026.
    • India earns a medium in GHG Emissions, Climate Policy, and Energy Use, and a low in Renewable Energy.
    • In 2025, India reported reaching 50% of installed power capacity from non-fossil sources ahead of the 2030 NDC target.
    • As of September 2025, India's total solar rooftop capacity was 20.8 GW with nearly 9 GW added in the last year.
  4. 2025-11-13 [Environment & Ecology] — India's Climate Change Performance Index Ranking Drops
    India's ranking in the Climate Change Performance Index (CCPI) 2026 has fallen from 10th to 23rd place, moving it from the 'high performer' to the 'medium performing countries' category. This decline is primarily attributed to India's continued reliance on coal, absence of a coal phase-out timeline, and increasing greenhouse gas emissions. The CCPI assesses countries across four categories: greenhouse gas emissions, renewable energy, energy use, and climate policy.
    More details

    UPSC Angle: India's CCPI 2026 ranking drops to 23rd.

    Key Facts:

    • India's CCPI 2026 rank: 23rd (down from 10th)
    • India receives a medium rating in GHG emissions, climate policy and energy use, and a low rating in renewable energy
    • Decline attributed to continued dependence on coal and lack of coal phase-out timeline
    • India achieved 50% of its installed power capacity from non-fossil sources in 2025
    • Total solar rooftop capacity was 20.8 GW as of September 2025
    • India has remained among the top 10 countries in the CCPI for six years since 2019
    • CCPI 2026 was released on the sidelines of the ongoing UN climate conference (COP30) in Belém
  5. 2025-11-19 [International Relations] — India at COP30 emphasizes climate action
    At COP30 in Belém, Brazil, India's Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav called for the conference to be a 'COP of Implementation' and a 'COP of Delivery on Promises,' urging developed countries to increase climate ambition and finance. India highlighted its progress in cutting emissions intensity by over 36% since 2005 and achieving 50% non-fossil power capacity five years ahead of schedule. India also confirmed it would submit revised NDCs up to 2035 and its first Biennial Transparency Report on time.
    More details

    UPSC Angle: India at COP30 calls for implementation and delivery on climate promises.

    Key Facts:

    • India will submit its updated 2035 climate goals by December.
    • Non-fossil fuel sources of energy account for more than half of the electricity capacity of India.
    • India achieved some of its climate goals for the decade ending in 2030, five years ahead of schedule.
    • India's climate action has fallen behind other countries, dropping from No. 10 last year to No. 23 this year in the Climate Change Performance Index.
    • India's solar capacity has risen from just 5.7 gigawatts in 2015 to more than 125 gigawatts as of September 2025.
    • COP30 Location: Belém, Brazil
    • India's Emission intensity reduction: over 36% since 2005
    • Non-fossil power capacity: 50% achieved ahead of 2030 deadline
    • India will submit revised NDCs up to 2035
    • India will submit its first Biennial Transparency Report on time
  6. 2025-12-05 [Environment & Ecology] — India's Performance in Climate Change Performance Index 2025
    India is ranked 10th in the Climate Change Performance Index (CCPI) 2025, indicating strong performance in renewable energy and emission reduction. India has made investments in renewable energy and adopted energy efficiency programs. However, it faces challenges due to coal dependency and industrialization.
    More details

    UPSC Angle: India ranked 10th in the Climate Change Performance Index 2025.

    Key Facts:

    • India ranked 10th in the Climate Change Performance Index 2025.
    • India received a medium rating in GHG emissions, climate policy and energy use, and a low rating in renewable energy.
    • India reported reaching 50% of its installed power capacity from non-fossil sources in 2025.
    • India's total solar rooftop capacity was 20.8 GW as of September 2025, with nearly 9 GW added in the last year.
  7. 2026-01-18 [Environment & Ecology] — India's Climate Performance Index Ranking Drops to 23rd
    India's ranking in the Climate Change Performance Index (CCPI) 2026 has fallen to 23rd, a drop of 13 places, due to the absence of a national coal exit timeline and continued auctioning of coal blocks. Despite progress in renewable energy, India's continued reliance on coal and uneven carbon pricing signals have contributed to the decline.
    More details

    UPSC Angle: India's Climate Performance Index ranking drops to 23rd.

    Key Facts:

    • India ranks 23rd in the Climate Change Performance Index (CCPI) 2026.
    • India fell 13 places from its previous ranking of 10th.
    • The report was released during the UN COP30 Climate Summit in Belém, Brazil.
    • The report is jointly prepared by Germanwatch, NewClimate Institute, and the Climate Action Network.
    • India's score is 61.31.
    • The reason for the drop is the lack of a national coal exit plan and expansion of fossil fuels.
    • India's updated NDC commits to 50% non-fossil capacity by 2030 and a 45% emissions-intensity cut compared with 2005.
    • As of September 2025, India's total solar rooftop capacity was 20.8 GW.
  8. 2026-02-02 [Environment & Ecology] — India's Climate Performance Ranking Drops in 2026
    India's climate performance ranking has dropped to 23rd in the Climate Change Performance Index (CCPI) 2026, moving from a high performer to a medium performer. The decline is attributed to continued dependence on coal and the absence of a coal phase-out timeline. India received a medium rating in GHG emissions, climate policy, and energy use, and a low rating in renewable energy.
    More details

    UPSC Angle: India's climate performance ranking dropped to 23rd in CCPI 2026.

    Key Facts:

    • India ranks 23rd in the Climate Change Performance Index (CCPI) 2026.
    • India receives a medium rating in GHG emissions, climate policy, and energy use.
    • India receives a low rating in renewable energy.
    • India has no national coal exit timeline.
    • India's updated NDC commits to 50% non-fossil capacity by 2030.
  9. 2026-02-17 [Environment & Ecology] — AI-Optimized Grids Could Cut Emissions
    India is a testing ground for renewable energy solutions, including the Colloquy Battery Storage Project in Delhi, and AI-optimized "Grids of the Future" could cut emissions by 30%. India has the potential to create 2.2 million jobs in India by 2030 through radical collaboration among governments, private sectors, and philanthropy.
    More details

    UPSC Angle: AI-Optimized Grids Could Cut Emissions.

    Key Facts:

    • India serves as the crucial testing ground for affordable, reliable renewable energy solutions.
    • AI-optimized "Grids of the Future" could cut emissions by 30%.
    • Potential to create 2.2 million jobs in India by 2030

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