India has maintained its position as one of the top performers and moved up one spot to seventh place in this year's Climate Change Performance Index (CCPI). Just like last year, the nation ranks highly in the categories of energy use and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, but moderately in climate policy and renewable energy.
Despite being the world's most populous nation, India exhibits relatively low per capita emissions, the report found. According to CCPI's numbers, the nation is getting closer to the target of keeping greenhouse gas emissions per capita well below 2°C. However, the positive trend in the share of renewable energy is advancing at a pace that is considered too slow.
According to CCPI country experts, India is actively working to fulfill its National Determined Contribution (NDC) by implementing clear, long-term policies. These initiatives specifically emphasize the promotion of renewable energy and financial support for the domestic manufacturing of renewable energy components.
Nevertheless, coal, along with oil and gas, remains India's principal energy source for meeting the country's growing energy demands. This reliance is still a major source of air pollution, especially in cities, and greenhouse gas emissions.
“Prime Minister Modi’s announcement at COP26 that India will achieve net-zero emissions by 2070 shows a lack of ambition and political will, according to our experts. The experts therefore call for more effective policy implementation that takes a more bottom-up approach, including the demands of tribal and rural communities. Specifically, they call for a faster phase-out of coal, reduced reliance on gas, and expanded renewable energy,” CCPI said in its report.
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