# Italy Ranks 41st in Global Climate Performance Index at COP 31 Government climate policies lag behind European targets as emissions reduction efforts remain insufficient. - **Source:** [Il Fatto Quotidiano](https://www.ilfattoquotidiano.it) - **Published:** 2026-11-11 - **Topic:** [climate](https://brifing.si/c/climate) - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/4beb6fc0-3cfa-4808-9862-2d5c0795fb58 ## Italy'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. ## Inadequate 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. ## Global 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. ## Fossil 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. ## Renewable 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. ## Electrification 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. ## Economic 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. ## Urgency 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. ## Sources covering this story - https://www.ilfattoquotidiano.it/2026/11/11/undefined-73/8568506/ — --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._