Isn’t being climate cautious the hour of the need? Pollution and the increasing global population are putting our earth in immense danger. In addition to that, the number of the least environmentally friendly countries are rising. Are we surrounding ourselves with clean air? What kind of environment are we leaving for our kids? It is threatening that we are left with just a handful of greenest countries in the world, with most of them from Europe.
Most of the world’s green, clean, and climate cautious countries exist in Europe.
Each country is trying to come up with specific guidelines and policies to protect the eco-system. Moreover, they are trying their best to keep the surroundings clean in their particular cities and improve the environmental performance index.
What Is The EPI – Environmental Performance Index?
Every year Environment Performance Index (EPI) ranks the nations according to how well they can sustain the natural resources. Additionally, various other factors like clean water, sanitation, etc.
EPI also wanted to rank out, which are the least environmentally friendly countries since the world is becoming environmentally conscious while developing economies.
Our planet and its nature is always at risk with an increase in industries and expansion of residential development along with transportation. Here definitely the environmentally friendly countries come to rescue.
Despite all these, the following countries are the top 5 environment-friendly countries and greenest countries in the world.
This is possible because of their policies and their successful implementation.
In addition, the gross environmental performance index according to the EPI report of this year also plays a role.
Most Environment-Friendly Countries In The World
1. Switzerland – One Of The Greenest Country In The World
The snow-covered Alps and the breathtaking green hills. It’s no wonder that Switzerland is number one on EPI ranking with 87.42. However, Switzerland is not only famous for its cheese, chocolate, and watches but also for its green economy. Moreover, the country recycles half of its waste.
Swiss sustains 50% of the country’s electricity demand just by hydropower. The main focus is to produce electricity from renewable resources.
The reason why it is at the top of the list is that it prevents farmlands from being used for infrastructural expansion.
Furthermore, lakes and forests cover the country by around 2/3 of the surface area. The citizens also pay attention to natural resources.
Similarly, a high standard of living, a stable economy, and importance on education are some of the factors that made the country work towards environmental protection.
2. France – Environmentally Friendly Country
France is one of the greenest countries next to Switzerland, repeatedly from Europe.
Nickolas Sarkozy implemented various legislations to enable the country to stand at the second position in the eco-friendly countries list with a score of 83.95.
The government also offers subsidies to explore clean technology.
Many students thus chose environmental-related courses as there are many job openings in the same field. Courses related to keeping the surroundings clean was a topic of focus as well.
Another reason contributing to the score is that the agricultural industry and products still support the country. Additionally, the land is also fertile and cultivated to the fullest.
3. Denmark
Denmark one of the greenest countries in Europe stands at 3rd rank with a score of 81.60. It is known as one of the cleanest nature-friendly countries.
The people of Denmark, aka the happiest people in the world, very well know how to keep their surroundings clean and also work towards it.
By 2050, Denmark would be 100% independent of fossil fuel. This will make the environmental performance index go high.
The factor influencing the goal is that even today 14% of electricity is harnessed by wind turbines. The country is also constantly working in pursuit of sustainability.
- Continuous reforms in the field of health
- Preservation of diverse habitat
- And water sanitation
has paved the way for how to switch from oil to renewable resources.
In the year 2020, Denmark reached the government goals of solar cell capability in the country.
It is estimated that by 2030 the development will produce 3400 megawatts (MW) of solar energy.
4. Malta
Malta has an EPI ranking of number 4 with a score of 80.90.
- Clean air
- Blooming biodiversity
- Sanitation
- Clean water
are the USP of this small country.
The government’s project ‘water of life’ is the main reason for the country’s successful sustaining.
Before 2011, Malta was one of the least environmentally friendly countries. It was not even in the top 50 environmentally friendly countries.
But with drastic changes, it landed at number 4 in 2018.
All the innovations were also met with natural and infrastructural issues. Furthermore, they are also working on bringing in some radical changes like improvement in waste management led to better water, air, and soil quality.
Even though the country is small and cannot develop major renewable energy sources, it has yet managed to improve environmental health.
5. Sweden
With a score of 80.51 on EPI, Sweden stands at 5th position! For half of its needs, it relies on natural resources.
The country’s goals are to achieve a 100% dependency on clean and renewable sources by 2040.
Wastewater treatment has lead Sweden to improve the drinking water quality along with sanitation and health. Moreover, this has made Sweden one of the eco-friendly countries.
Most importantly it aims to preserve forests and eradicate the use of fossil fuel very soon. By bringing in the reforms that help and encourage the use of renewable energy, the country is step by step improving the environment for future generations, thereby pushing the environmental performance index.
- Read here: Facts About Sweden
Global warming has a great impact on climate change. This has also made us realize that we cannot take our environment for granted. Pollution, climatic changes, water, soil, and air contamination has made us think of change and do damage control.
We might think that we may be too small to make any changes. However, if everyone becomes aware and contribute, we can bring in the reforms we require.
This is also exactly what the greenest countries in the world do. Moreover, they come up with new techniques to keep their surroundings clean and dirt free. Additionally, each citizen belonging to these greenest countries consider themselves as ambassadors of a clean environment.Â
Furthermore, there is one thing in common amongst these greenest countries in the world. This includes that they are very well aware of the repercussions and are determined to reverse them positively.
10 Most Greenest Countries In Asia & The Pacific
Below are the ten greenest countries in Asia and the pacific:
- Japan
- Singapore
- Australia
- South Korea
- New Zealand
- Hong Kong
- Philippines
- Malaysia
- Indonesia
- China
Least Environmentally Friendly Countries Based on EPI
According to the EPI report, below are the least environmentally friendly countries:
- Liberia
- Cameroon
- Swaziland
- Djibouti
- Papua New Guinea
- Eritrea
- Mauritania
- Benin
- Afghanistan
- Pakistan
- Angola
- The central African Republic
- Niger
- Lesotho
- Haiti
- Madagascar
- Nepal
- India
- Dem. Rep. Congo
- Bangladesh
5 Ways To Keep Surrounding Clean And Environment-Friendly
Now that we have observed that most of the greenest countries are from Europe, let’s look at how these countries contribute to keeping surroundings clean.
1. Usage of electrical appliances
• Conserve electricity by switching off power, when not in use.
• Buy appliances that are energy efficient.
Similarly, saving electricity is not only easy on the pocket but it is also environment-friendly.
2. Carpool and public transportation
Next, choosing not to drive or using public transport and even using a bicycle will help reduce traffic along with reducing air pollution. Likewise, many companies are promoting coming to work on a bike, which is excellent for the environment as well as our physical health.
3. Healthy Ecosystem
With the excessive burden on soil, air, and water; the ecosystem has lost its balance. Furthermore, the green plants, animals are all part of it. However, due to the excessive use of plastics dumping or burning these non-biodegradable materials is what made everyone sick.
Some of the disturbances also lead to disruption of life. Thus, we need to bring in some changes in our lifestyle to keep our surroundings clean.
4. Reduce, Reuse and Recycle – A Method Adopted By World’s Greenest Countries
The 3 R’s is an age-old method of protecting the environment. Moreover, it is also the method adopted by the greenest countries in the world.
Reduce wastage, reuse the products that are not biodegradable and recycle old clothes and bottles rather than disposing of them in the dustbin.
5. Use of less insecticide and pesticide
Grow your food locally to avoid the usage of too much insecticide and pesticide. Dispose of the waste material adequately to prevent water and air pollution.
Concluding thoughts on greenest countries in the world,
In conclusion, these are practical ways to handle the situation and try to maintain a clean environment. Moreover, take a small step to achieve big results. As a citizen, it should be our duty to aim for becoming an environmentally friendly country.
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Key Takeaways On The Greenest & Sustainable Countries In The World
All the top five greenest countries in the world are from Europe.
1. Switzerland
- EPI ranking with 87.42
- 50% of electricity from hydropower
2. France
- EPI ranking with 83.95
- The French government offers subsidies for clean technology goods and businesses.
3. Denmark
- EPI ranking with 81.60
- In 2020, Denmark reached the government goals of solar cell capability in the country. It is estimated that by 2030 the development will produce 3400 megawatts (MW) of solar energy.
4. Malta
- EPI ranking 80.90
- Until 2011, Malta was the least environmentally friendly countries not even under the top 50 countries.
- The strict government policies have proven well to the country, making it one of the most sustainable.
5. Sweden
- 80.51 on EPI ranking
- By 2040, Sweden aims to use 100% clean and renewable sources of energy.
Is your country on the most sustainable list? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.
