Denmark has been ranked the world’s top-performing country on climate action for the sixth consecutive year, but remains fourth overall in the 2026 Climate Change Performance Index (CCPI) because no country has done enough to meet the goals of the Paris Agreement, writes Steria Manda.
According to Africa Brief, the index, launched by Germanwatch and the NewClimate Institute, assesses the climate performance of 64 countries and the European Union, which together account for more than 90% of global greenhouse gas emissions.
The first three positions are deliberately left vacant to reflect the failure of all assessed countries to achieve a level of climate performance consistent with the Paris Agreement’s objectives.
Denmark’s fourth-place ranking reflects progress in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and expanding renewable energy. Its emissions have fallen by more than 25% over the past five years, and the country remains on track to meet its 2030 emissions reduction target.
The country also received recognition for its international climate engagement, including its contribution to climate finance. The Danish government has committed to allocating at least 60% of its grant-based climate finance to climate adaptation.
However, the index calls for Denmark to strengthen its financing efforts to address loss and damage caused by climate change, particularly as vulnerable countries face growing climate-related impacts.
Despite its strong performance, Denmark still needs additional policies to achieve its longer-term climate targets for 2035 and 2050. The index also raises concerns about the possible extension of gas extraction licences in the North Sea.
