India's latest Environmental Performance Index ranking has reignited a debate that goes far beyond the final score.

Kolkata | 21 July 2026:

Another year, another low rank. India placed 176th out of 177 in the 2026 Environmental Performance Index, reigniting questions about what’s working, what isn’t, and how we measure success.
 

Out in July from Yale, the EPI scores 177 countries on 47 measures of health, nature, and climate. The numbers have sparked arguments, but the experts are saying not to read it as a report card but as a trend line

The EPI measures performance across air quality, water, sanitation, waste, biodiversity, forests, emissions and more. Experts say this approach captures environmental health more broadly than climate goals or renewable capacity by themselves.

Despite strong progress on renewable energy, India still lags in air pollution, waste management, water quality and biodiversity conservation. Experts note that clean power does not automatically address problems such as contaminated water bodies, waste mismanagement, depleting habitats, and urban air pollution.

Since 2024, very little has changed. Until India tackles air pollution and gets serious on waste management, water management and ecosystem, the rankings won’t budge – no matter how fast renewable energy grows.

The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change says environmental protection remains a priority, with programmes centred on renewable energy, afforestation, pollution control, and ecosystem conservation. Experts agree the direction is right, but real progress will depend on stronger implementation, consistent monitoring, and better coordination between the Centre and the states.

Comparing rankings is only part of the picture. Each country begins its climate journey under different circumstances.
Experts say that we need to look at emissions per person, total emissions, and where policy is headed. 

India is among the world's largest emitters largely because of its population. But on a per-person basis, its emissions remain well below those of many developed countries.

India is investing in clean energy, electric mobility, green hydrogen, and forest restoration. But experts say the real measure of success lies elsewhere: cleaner air, safer water, healthier ecosystems, and less pollution. 
Without visible improvements on the ground, neither environmental outcomes nor EPI rankings are likely to improve.

The EPI is more than a ranking- it is a reminder of where improvement is still needed. 
Experts say the real goal should not be a higher position on a global index, but cleaner air, healthier rivers, stronger ecosystems, and a better quality of life for millions.

Source: 
 Yale Centre for Environmental Law & Policy, Environmental Performance Index 2024 (in partnership with Columbia University Centre for International Earth Science Information Network)