Passed and failed

Published annually since 2005, the Climate Change Performance Index (Index of national disengagement in the fight against climate change – ccpi) is an independent monitoring tool to monitor performance on climate protection in 63 countries and the European Union (EU). These are the countries that together account for over 90% of global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Every year, the ccpi facilitates observation and information on the implementation of commitments to reduce the impacts of climate change. In the report, 650 experts evaluate four types of outcomes: greenhouse gas emissions, renewable energy, energy use and climate policy. This is why the final ranking has the first three places empty because no country has done the minimum necessary, compared to the commitments made at an international level. The change in position in the ranking from one year to the next indicates in which direction the efforts made and the results obtained by each State are going.

Denmark remains the nation with the best effort, but not enough to earn a very high overall score. With India (7th), Germany (14th) and the EU (16th), only three G20 states are among the best in 2024 and they are all overtaken by the Philippines (6th). Fifteen G20 countries receive a low or very low overall score. The G20 is particularly responsible for climate mitigation, as its members account for more than 75% of global greenhouse gas emissions. Canada, Russia, South Korea and Saudi Arabia are the G20 countries with the worst results.

The EU rises three places to 16th place. Fourteen EU countries are among the best and average performers, with Denmark (4th) and Estonia (5th) at the top of the general classification. Italy in 44th place drops by 15 positions compared to the previous year (major deterioration), mainly due to its more negative disengagement in the "climate policy" category. Thailand (25th) gains 17 places (second biggest improvement). Overall, the changes observed by the ccpi demonstrate that it is possible to make great steps forward (or backward) in a short time and the strong impact that good governance has on a country's climate commitment.


To read and download the data: https://ccpi.org/downloads/


Sandro Calvani
NP April 2024