From Lignite to Low-Carbon: Greece’s Journey in the Climate Change Performance Index (CCPI)

Monitoring national climate performance is fundamental for translating the Paris Agreement’s global objectives into actionable national policy. This study examines Greece’s progress through the lens of the Climate Change Performance Index (CCPI), an internationally recognized tool assessing mitigation efforts across four pillars: Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Emissions, Renewable Energy, Energy Use, and Climate Policy. Drawing on data from CCPI (2006–2025), IPCC assessments, and national policy documents, the analysis situates Greece’s climate trajectory within the broader frameworks of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Results indicate that Greece’s CCPI ranking improved from 35th in 2018 to 22nd in 2025, reflecting significant advances in renewable energy deployment and energy efficiency, yet persistent weaknesses in policy implementation and governance capacity. The country’s emissions have declined by approximately 38% since 2005, driven by a rapid lignite phase-out and expansion of solar and wind power. However, gaps remain in transport, buildings, and industrial decarbonization, limiting full alignment with a 1.5°C-compatible pathway. The findings highlight the interplay between technical progress and institutional performance, showing that Greece’s transition is constrained less by technological potential than by fragmented governance, delayed enforcement, and uneven adaptation capacity. Strengthening policy coherence, sectoral accountability, and just transition mechanisms is therefore essential for sustaining CCPI improvements and achieving IPCC- and SDG-consistent outcomes. The study concludes that integrating CCPI metrics into national climate governance can enhance transparency, accelerate policy delivery, and position Greece as a regional model for integrated climate action in the Eastern Mediterranean.