Germany Ranks 22nd in 2025 Climate Protection Index Amid Policy Setbacks

Germany has experienced a significant drop in the 2025 Climate Protection Index, falling to 22nd place out of 63 countries assessed. The annual index, presented at the climate summit in Belém by Germanwatch and the NewClimate Institute, reveals that no country, including Germany, has made sufficient progress in climate protection to claim the top ranks. Notably, the first three positions in the ranking remain unoccupied due to the global shortfall in effective climate action.

Denmark leads the index, followed by the United Kingdom and Morocco, while the European Union as a whole has slipped to 20th place, a decline of three positions. Germany's deteriorating ranking stems from notable setbacks in its climate policies, particularly a shift towards increased reliance on climate-damaging gases in energy supply. Additionally, the absence of robust measures to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the transport and building sectors has been highlighted as a critical factor behind Germany's lower score.

The index was discussed on WDR's Aktuelle Stunde program, where Alexander Roettig emphasized the urgency of responding to these challenges to improve Germany's climate protection outcomes. The findings underscore significant hurdles facing Germany's efforts to meet international climate commitments and suggest a need for intensified and more effective policy interventions.

With these developments, Germany's climate strategy comes under scrutiny as it seeks to regain momentum in reducing emissions and aligning with broader EU climate goals. The report's publication adds pressure on German policymakers to address the identified policy gaps and enhance climate action across key sectors.