MANILA, Philippines – The Philippines’ climate performance plunged in the latest Climate Change Performance Index (CCPI), falling 12 places to 19th as experts flagged the country’s lack of clear long-term climate targets and slow progress in transitioning away from fossil fuels.
From a “high” rating last year, the Philippines is now classified as a “medium” performer, despite remaining one of Southeast Asia’s top scorers — ahead of Thailand, Indonesia, and Malaysia.
The CCPI assesses 63 countries and the European Union across four indicators, giving the heaviest weight to greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. The Philippines scored 29.97 points, with per capita emissions at 2.35 metric tons in 2024 — still below the global average but steadily rising over the past five years.
Why the drop?
CCPI experts for the Philippines said the country slipped due to the absence of a net-zero target, lack of intermediate milestones, and the missing long-term decarbonization strategy.
They also questioned the credibility of the government’s climate action, noting that weak national targets undermine ongoing policy measures.
“The effectiveness of policy measures against the backdrop of weak national targets raises particular concern,” the report said, warning of insufficient environmental and social safeguards.
The proposed Low Carbon Economy Investment Act, which seeks to push emissions reduction, has yet to gain traction.
How the Philippines performed
Apart from emissions, the CCPI evaluates renewable energy, energy use, and climate policy — each weighted at 20%.
Renewable energy
The Philippines ranked second in Southeast Asia, scoring 6.41, with experts recognizing stronger implementation of the Renewable Energy Act and the Green Energy Auction Program, which has begun lowering energy costs for consumers.
Energy use
The country scored 15.82, reflecting continued growth in consumption as economic activity expands.
Climate policy
Experts scored the Philippines 10.58, pointing out the government’s mixed record. While coal use declined in 2025, the shift remains “too slow”. Rising energy demand is increasingly being met by imported liquefied natural gas (LNG), with no clear phaseout plan.
Human rights concerns weigh down score
The report also flagged rights issues linked to renewable energy projects.
Experts cited the following issues, namely: Hydropower projects in the Cordillera threatening indigenous communities’ water sources, and floating solar farms on Laguna de Bay disrupting fisherfolk livelihoods.
These conflicts, they said, undermine the country’s climate credibility.
Active role in global climate diplomacy
Despite its lower ranking, the Philippines continues to assert itself in international climate negotiations.
The country now hosts the Loss and Damage Fund Board, which channels financing to climate-vulnerable nations — a move seen as boosting its standing in global climate governance.
What experts recommend
To regain momentum, experts urged the Philippines to adopt a coherent, long-term climate pathway. This pathway includes firm net-zero commitment, full coal phaseout and enforcement of the moratorium, protection of tropical forests, and a clear path to phasing out all fossil fuels, including LNG.
The CCPI again left its top three spots empty, saying no country demonstrated performance worthy of a “very high” rating across all categories. For 2026, Denmark remained the top-ranked country, followed by the United Kingdom, Morocco, and Chile.
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