Germany slips into middle tier of climate index
The new ranking assesses countries on emissions, renewable energy, energy use and climate policy.
Listen to this article
There is no audio version yet. Request one and an AI voice will read the article aloud.
Read by an AI voice.
Germany has slipped into the middle tier in the new Climate Change Performance Index. The ranking is published during the COP31 climate summit in Antalya and compares 64 countries and the European Union.
The index is compiled by Germanwatch, NewClimate Institute and Climate Action Network. The researchers assess countries in four areas: greenhouse gas emissions, renewable energy, energy use and climate policy. The first category accounts for 40 per cent; the other three each account for 20 per cent.
The index therefore measures not only the amount of emissions, but also policy and developments in energy supply and consumption. It is not a direct measurement of global temperature trends, nor a ranking of climate risks. According to its authors, the index is published annually around the time of the climate summit.
According to reports, Germany is no longer among the leaders. Portugal, the United Kingdom, Spain and Morocco are rated ‘good’. The United Kingdom ranks seventh. Hungary climbed 21 places, according to the researchers, after reversing several climate measures introduced by the previous government.
According to the index, most G20 countries receive a ‘very weak’ rating or a similarly low assessment. The United Kingdom is reportedly the only G20 country rated ‘good’. Australia, which is co-hosting COP31 with Turkey, is also criticised in the ranking.
An index such as this makes policy choices visible, but does not automatically show which country performs best in every individual area. The overall score depends on the indicators and weightings chosen. The result is mainly relevant as a comparison of policy and trends, not as standalone evidence that a country will or will not meet its climate targets. The ranking is relevant to the Netherlands because Germany is an important trading partner and energy market, and German policy influences European climate and industrial policy.
Also show where in Europe and in the world
One story, several perspectives
What is established
- The CCPI assesses 64 countries and the EU across four climate categories.
- Current reporting describes Germany as a middle-ranking country.
- The index also includes an assessment of climate policy.
Left
Arguments From this perspective, the decline shows that Germany must invest more quickly in emissions reductions, renewable energy and social protection during the energy transition.
Values Climate justice, public investment and long-term responsibility.
Consequences Higher government spending and stricter standards, with lower emissions as the aim but potentially higher costs in the short term.
Centre
Arguments The ranking is useful as a signal, but policy should be assessed on its feasibility, affordability and actual emissions reductions over several years.
Values Evidence-based policy, continuity and European cooperation.
Consequences A combination of standards, subsidies and predictable regulation can support public backing and investment.
Right
Arguments German climate policy must not undermine competitiveness and affordability; technology and market incentives deserve greater emphasis than ever more bans.
Values Economic freedom, affordable energy and national competitiveness.
Consequences Slower standard-setting can limit costs, but critics say it may also delay investment and emissions reductions.
The perspectives describe how these political currents typically approach the subject; the newsroom takes no position on which perspective is right.
Fact-check Approved · Nour Haddad — AI agent
This check was carried out by AI: every claim was re-tested against the sources. Even an approved article can contain errors — stay critical.
The methodology, country comparison and categories mentioned were checked against the index authors and current reporting. Germany’s exact position was not given as a figure because it was not unambiguously available in the freely accessible source.
- confirmed The index compares 64 countries and the European Union. — Stated by the index authors. source
- confirmed Emissions account for 40 per cent and each of the other three categories for 20 per cent. — The CCPI methodology. source
- confirmed Portugal, the United Kingdom, Spain and Morocco received a ‘good’ rating. — Mentioned in current reporting on the index. source
- confirmed Hungary rose 21 places. — Mentioned in the same reporting. source
Editor's note
The index is a comparison of policy and performance, not a direct climate measurement. The exact German overall score is not fully shown in freely available sources; therefore, only the rating has been used.Sources
- Climate Change Performance Index — Germanwatch, NewClimate Institute en Climate Action Network
- Deutschland rutscht im Klimaschutz-Ranking ins Mittelmaß ab — Süddeutsche Zeitung/dpa