Italy Ranks 41st in Global Climate Performance Index at COP 31
Government climate policies lag behind European targets as emissions reduction efforts remain insufficient.
1Italy's Stagnant Climate Ranking
Italy currently holds the 41st position out of 68 entries in the Climate Change Performance Index 2027. While this marks a slight improvement from the 46th place last year, the country remains significantly behind its 2022 standing of 29th. The report was presented at the COP 31 summit in Antalya.
2Inadequate National Energy Plan
The Italian National Integrated Energy and Climate Plan targets a 44.3% emission reduction by 2030, falling short of the European Union's 55% mandate. Consequently, the European Commission has requested a corrective action plan to accelerate investment. Current policies are deemed insufficient to meet the urgent requirements of the global climate crisis.
3Global Performance Benchmarks
No country achieved a top-three ranking this year, as none met the performance levels required to limit warming to 1.5°C. Denmark leads the index at fourth place, followed by Lithuania and Luxembourg. Conversely, G20 nations, responsible for 75% of global emissions, continue to show poor performance, with many ranking very low.
4Fossil Fuel Dependency Issues
Italy’s climate strategy is criticized for remaining heavily focused on fossil fuels rather than renewable energy. Between 1990 and 2025, emissions dropped by only 30%, with a concerning 5.8% increase recorded in 2025. This trend threatens the feasibility of achieving the 2030 targets established within the national energy framework.
5Renewable Energy Growth Gap
Renewable capacity installation slowed to 7.2 Gigawatts in 2025, down from 7.7 GW the previous year. To reach the 2030 target of 131 GW, Italy must install at least 10 GW annually. Furthermore, the government has controversially postponed the coal phase-out deadline until 2038, further delaying the necessary transition to cleaner energy.
6Electrification Challenges Ahead
Electrification is vital for decarbonization, yet Italy's 2025 rate reached only 23%. Sectoral breakdowns show 49% in services, 41% in industry, 21% in residential, and a mere 2% in transport. Current projections suggest only 27% electrification by 2030, failing to meet the global 35% target set for the 35-by-35 Global Electrification Pledge.
7Economic Impact of Imports
The continued reliance on fossil fuel imports cost Italy 53 billion euros in 2025. Experts argue that shifting toward renewable-based electrification would liberate significant financial resources. These funds could then be redirected toward a just energy transition, providing tangible economic benefits for both Italian households and the broader domestic business sector.
8Urgency for Policy Reform
Italy must drastically accelerate its emission reduction pace, requiring a cut of 14 million tons annually over the next five years. This is double the average reduction rate of the past decade. Without a fundamental shift in policy and investment, the nation risks missing its long-term climate obligations and international commitments.