COP 28: India has received a high ranking in the greenhouse gas Emissions and Energy Use categories, but a medium in Climate Policy and Renewable Energy, as in the previous year
India has secured the 7th position in this year's Climate Change Performance Index (CCPI), moving up one spot from the previous ranking. The report, unveiled during COP28 global climate talks, highlights India's continued status as one of the top performers among 63 countries plus the EU, collectively responsible for over 90 percent of global greenhouse gas emissions.
The CCPI assesses nations in categories such as Greenhouse Gas Emissions, Energy Use, Climate Policy, and Renewable Energy. India has earned high marks in the greenhouse gas emissions and energy use categories but received a medium ranking in climate policy and renewable energy, consistent with the previous year's evaluation.
Despite being the world's most populous country, India maintains relatively low per capita emissions. The report notes that India is on track to meet the benchmark of keeping per capita greenhouse gas emissions well below 2 degrees Celsius. However, the report expresses concern that the progression towards increased renewable energy is happening too slowly.
While acknowledging India's efforts to meet its Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) with clear long-term policies promoting renewable energy and supporting domestic manufacturing, the report highlights the continued reliance on coal, oil, and gas to meet growing energy needs. This reliance is a significant source of greenhouse gas emissions and contributes to severe air pollution, particularly in urban areas.
The report underscores India's imposition of high taxes on petrol and diesel as an attempt to act as carbon taxes, although their impact on consumption remains disputed. Additionally, it points out that the shift from 'phase out' to 'phase down' of fossil fuels at the last COP, alongside concerns about large-scale renewable energy projects negatively affecting local communities, poses challenges to the global commitment to end the fossil fuel era.
The report criticises Prime Minister Narendra Modi's announcement at COP26 of India's goal to achieve net-zero emissions by 2070, citing a perceived lack of ambition and political will. Experts recommend a more bottom-up approach to policy implementation, considering the demands of tribal and rural communities. They advocate for a faster phase-out of coal, reduced reliance on gas, and an accelerated transition to renewable energy to achieve Net Zero no later than 2050.
Srinivas Krishnaswamy, CEO of Vasudha Foundation, acknowledges India's high ranking in the CCPI and cites concrete actions taken, including progress towards non-fossil power installed capacity targets and emission intensity reductions. Krishnaswamy emphasises the need for continued efforts to create people-friendly, climate-friendly, and sustainable infrastructure aligned with cultural and social contexts.