The CCPI 2025 underscores the mixed progress in global climate action, with many countries expanding renewable energy but still heavily relying on fossil fuels. Denmark leads in performance; however, significant regions like the Middle East lag severely. The report stresses the urgent need for enhanced commitment and accelerated actions aligned with the Paris Agreement to avert severe climate consequences.
The Climate Change Performance Index (CCPI) 2025, co-authored by Germanwatch, NewClimate Institute, and CAN International, highlights the ongoing challenges in global efforts to combat climate change, emphasizing that, despite significant growth in renewable energy across 61 of the assessed countries, many nations still rely heavily on fossil fuels. While Denmark retains its position as the top-ranked country, the lack of urgency in climate action, particularly in the fossil fuel sector, remains a central concern. The report assessed 64 entities, including the European Union, collectively responsible for 90% of global emissions. The data reveal a considerable increase in the share of renewables in the energy mix over the past five years, yet emission levels in 29 countries are still classified as low or very low. Notably, the top three ranks were left unoccupied, indicating a pressing need for enhanced climate action aligned with the Paris Agreement’s temperature targets. Denmark holds the fourth rank, being the sole nation to receive a high rating in climate policy, while the Netherlands and the United Kingdom followed closely at fifth and sixth positions respectively. However, Argentina’s fall to 59th illustrates how political shifts can adversely affect climate progress. The countries at the bottom, such as Iran, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Russia, are all major oil and gas producers, sustaining their very low output of renewables. China, despite being the largest emitter and ranking 55th, demonstrates a significant expansion of renewables, though the reliance on coal and inadequate climate targets hinder its progress. The United States, in 57th position, requires increased investment in clean energy and the elimination of fossil fuel subsidies to enhance its performance. Only the United Kingdom and India emerge as high performers among the G20 nations, while many G20 countries, responsible for over 75% of worldwide emissions, continue to demonstrate low performance ratings. The EU, ranked 17th, displays a more promising outlook, with the Green Deal yielding positive results and none of its countries falling into the very low performance category this year. Sixteen EU countries are classified as high or medium performers, which collectively implies a more concerted effort towards achieving climate goals compared to previous assessments.
The Climate Change Performance Index (CCPI) evaluates the climate policies and performance of the world’s largest greenhouse gas emitters. The assessment focuses on three main dimensions: emissions, renewable energy, and climate policy. Published annually, it provides critical insights into the progress and stagnation of global climate action. The CCPI encompasses 64 countries including the European Union, representing the bulk of global emissions, thus serving as a vital tool for understanding the effectiveness of international efforts to mitigate climate change and meet the commitments of the Paris Agreement.
The CCPI 2025 illustrates a paradox where the expansion of renewable energy is evident in several high-emitting countries, yet the reliance on fossil fuels remains strong, hindering substantial progress. Countries such as Denmark and the Netherlands showcase positive trajectories, while nations like Iran and Saudi Arabia exemplify the challenges faced in transitioning away from fossil fuels. For meaningful progress to occur globally, countries must prioritize accelerating their climate actions and commitments to reduce emissions significantly.
Original Source: newclimate.org
