The Climate Change Performance Index (CCPI) is a noteworthy tool for tracking the climate protection performance of countries worldwide. Published annually since 2005, it provides valuable insights into national and international climate policies and efforts. In the recent CCPI 2024, India achieved the 7th position, effectively placing 4th due to the absence of any countries in the top three spots.
Understanding the CCPI Metrics
The CCPI assessment revolves around four key categories: Greenhouse Gas Emissions (40%), Renewable Energy (20%), Energy Use (20%), and Climate Policy (20%). These metrics allow the index to comprehensively evaluate the climate mitigation efforts across nations.
India’s Performance in CCPI 2024
India showed improvement in CCPI 2024 by moving from the 8th position in CCPI 2023 to the 7th. In key categories, India exhibited varied performance—ranking 9th in GHG Emissions, 10th in Energy Use and Climate Policy, but slipping to 37th in Renewable Energy.
Global Climate Change Efforts under CCPI 2024
Despite the urgency to decarbonize, the CCPI 2024 highlighted an alarming trend of increasing global GHG emissions with CO2 levels strikingly higher than pre-industrial levels. The G20 countries, including India, Germany, and the EU, which account for more than 75% of the world’s GHG emissions, showed mixed performances with only these three being high performers.
India’s Challenges in Combating Climate Change
India faces significant challenges in dealing with climate change, including water scarcity due to changing rainfall patterns, agricultural vulnerability due to altered crop patterns and extreme weather events, rising sea levels threatening coastal regions and infrastructure, high levels of air pollution, and the Urban Heat Island effect causing elevated temperatures in cities.
Government Initiatives for Climate Change Mitigation
Various initiatives have been launched by the Indian government to combat climate change. These include the National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC), National Solar Mission, National Adaptation Fund on Climate Change (NAFCC), and Panchamrit Goal among others.
Future Perspectives: Strategies for Tackling Climate Change
To tackle the intensifying issues relating to climate change, diversified strategies need to be implemented. Investment in developing climate-resilient crop varieties, constructing vertical forests within urban spaces, creating floating solar farms on water bodies, implementing community-based climate insurance schemes, utilizing blockchain technology for carbon credit systems, promoting seaweed farming for carbon sequestration, and incentivizing climate-smart transportation are some innovative measures suggested.
Recalling Previous Year Questions (PYQ) on UPSC Civil Services Examination
It’s crucial for aspirants to understand the type of questions asked in previous years for effective preparation. Some relevant questions from prelims and mains examinations revolve around the concepts of ‘Green India Mission’, ‘Global Climate Change Alliance’, India’s preparation for Climate-Smart Agriculture, and effects of climate change on India and specific regions.
