The latest Climate Change Performance Index (CCPI) places the Philippines in 19th position, a drop of 12 spots from the previous year, even as it remains the highest-ranked nation in Southeast Asia with a score of 62.79. Vietnam follows in 24th place with 60.65 points.
The index once again left its top three positions intentionally unfilled, with the CCPI stating that “No country is strong enough in all categories to achieve an overall very high rating.” This decision places Denmark in the leading published spot at rank 4, mirroring last year’s results, while the United Kingdom rises to 5th.
Country standings are assessed across four pillars: climate governance, renewable energy adoption, patterns of energy consumption, and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. The Philippines, historically a low-emitting country, posted strong numbers in areas that reflect this profile. It landed 7th in energy use with a score of 15.82 and 12th in GHG emissions with 29.97. Data from Climate Watch shows the country is the world’s 37th largest emitter, accounting for 0.5% of global emissions.
Performance faltered, however, in renewable energy development and climate policy. The Philippines placed 34th in renewables with a score of 6.41 and 29th in climate policy with 10.58.
CCPI analysts acknowledged progress in setting up “a well-regulated carbon offsetting registry,” but attributed the steep decline in ranking to “the absence of a net-zero target and ambitious and unconditional intermediate targets.” Concerns raised by country experts centered on Article 6, pointing to “lack of sufficient environmental and social safeguards, as well as the insufficient prioritization of non-market approaches.”
The Department of Energy has issued a circular on Article 6, although the broader national strategy surrounding carbon markets remains under development.
The Philippines also missed the submission deadline for its updated Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), a lapse that further weighed down its placement in the index. Under its current NDC, the country commits to a 75% reduction in GHG emissions, with only 2.71% deemed unconditional and the remaining 72.29% dependent on international support.
