The Philippines has maintained its position as one of the top-performing countries in the Climate Change Performance Index (CCPI) 2025, ranking 7th globally and remaining the only Southeast Asian country in the Top 15, based on a report released by Germanwatch, the NewClimate Institute, and the Climate Action Network.
The CCPI evaluates the climate mitigation performance of 63 countries and the European Union, which together account for more than 90 percent of global greenhouse gas emissions. It assesses performance in four categories: greenhouse gas emissions, renewable energy, energy use, and climate policy.
This is the third consecutive year that the Philippines has been recognized as a high performer in the index. The country placed 23rd in 2022, climbed to 12th in 2023, moved up to 6th in 2024, and now holds 7th place.
According to Climate Change Commission (CCC) Executive Director Robert E.A. Borje, the improved ranking reflects the administration’s prioritization of climate action under President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. Borje said that national policies have been strengthened to support a more coordinated and inclusive response to climate challenges.
Key developments include the formulation of the Nationally Determined Contribution Implementation Plan (NDCIP) 2020–2030 and the National Adaptation Plan (NAP) 2023–2050, both released under the Marcos administration. The NDCIP lays out programs and financing strategies to meet the country’s climate targets, estimated to cost around USD 72 billion or PHP 4.1 trillion. The NAP, submitted to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) in May 2024, outlines a long-term strategy to enhance resilience across key sectors such as agriculture, water, health, and infrastructure.
The CCC also attributed the country’s CCPI performance to a strong whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach, particularly through the ACCELERATE Framework, which fosters collaboration among government agencies, local government units, civil society organizations (CSOs), the academe, development partners, and the private sector.
Borje cited the active role of CSOs like Aksyon Klima Pilipinas, Manila Observatory, and the Institute for Sustainable Development Foundation, noting that their participation in the CCPI evaluation process helps ensure the government’s climate policies remain evidence-based and responsive to local needs.
He also underscored the importance of inter-agency cooperation. The CCC works closely with departments such as the DENR, DOF, DOE, DOTr, DA, DOST, NEDA, and others to advance the national climate agenda through emissions reduction, renewable energy expansion, policy innovation, and resilience-building initiatives.
Borje said that sustaining momentum and strengthening implementation remain key to meeting both national and global climate commitments. (Gilbert Perdez)
