The Climate Change Performance Index (CCPI) and Rashtriya Yuva Sashaktikaran Karyakram are two important measures that have significance in today’s world. The former is a globally recognized index ranking countries’ capacities to battle climate change, while the latter is an Indian governmental policy designed to empower youth.
Climate Change Performance Index (CCPI)
The Climate Change Performance Index, widely known as the CCPI, is an acclaimed publication by Germanwatch, Climate Action Network (CAN) International and the New Climate Institute. In 2019, despite the increasing global attention on environmental concerns, the index found no country deserving of the ‘very good’ status. Amongst all nations, Sweden tops the ranking, with Morocco and Lithuania following close behind.
In essence, the CCPI evaluates and contrasts the climate protection performance of 56 countries and the EU based on standardized criteria. The performance is measured on 14 distinct indicators that fall into four categories: ‘GHG Emissions’, ‘Renewable Energy’, ‘Energy Use’, and ‘Climate Policy’. This strategic evaluation makes the CCPI an unparalleled tool in international climate politics encouraging transparency and progress.
As for India, the country ranks 11th in the overall Index with a score of 62.93, showing an improved performance compared to the previous year especially in the Renewable Energy category.
Key CCPI Facts
| Country | Rank | Score |
|---|---|---|
| Sweden | 1 | N/A |
| Morocco | 2 | N/A |
| Lithuania | 3 | N/A |
| India | 11 | 62.93 |
Rashtriya Yuva Sashaktikaran Karyakram
Moving on to the Indian sub-continent, a significant initiative called Rashtriya Yuva Sashaktikaran Karyakram (RYK) was approved by the Cabinet for continuation from 2017-18 to 2019-2020. The RYK scheme, implemented by the Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports, is an umbrella scheme that includes eight sub-schemes targeting the overall development and empowerment of Indian youth.
These sub-schemes are as follows: Nehru Yuva Kendra Sangathan(NYKS); National Youth Corps (NYC); National Programme for Youth & Adolescent Development (NPYAD); International Cooperation; Youth Hostels (YH); Assistance to Scouting & Guiding Organizations; National Discipline Scheme (NDS); and National Young Leaders Programme (NYLP).
The purpose of the RYK scheme is to nurture the personality and leadership qualities of the youth and to involve them in nation-building activities. The beneficiaries of this scheme are primarily youth aged between 15-29 years, aligning with the definition of ‘youth’ as per the National Youth Policy, 2014. However, when considering adolescent-specific programs, the age group broadens to 10-19 years. This approach ensures a wider youth engagement and inclusion in the process of national development.
