Global Ranking Methodology
The Environmental Performance Index (EPI) provides global environmental metrics every year to see how well nations are doing to reach environmental policy goals. They rank 180 countries on 24 performance indicators across ten issue categories covering environmental health - such as water quality, heavy metals exposure and air quality - these are known to improve with economic growth. Ecosystem vitality measures biodiversity, water resources, agriculture, fisheries etc - which suffers with industrialization and urbanization (EPI 2018).
So which countries performed the best in 2018?
10. Finland
Not surprising Finland are the first Scandinavian country to make our list, environmental sustainability is a priority for these folks, for its the land of Santa. We couldn't have Lapland just melt away now, could we? There'd be a lot of angry birds flying about! (EPI: 78.64)
9. Ireland
The color green is synonymous with Ireland and that can also be extended to their environmental sustainability efforts. Rated highly in all categories and number 1 in the world for water & sanitation, Its no wonder Guinness tastes so good (EPI: 78.77)
8. Austria
Austria is a stunning country both urban and rural, having traveled there in 2016 I can honestly say it felt like a nation that prioritized sustainability. Vienna has a population of 1.8 million and is spotless with an abundance of green spaces and landscaped gardens. Climate protection is a fixed political initiative, the reduction of CO2 emissions improves every year. (EPI: 78.97)
7. Luxembourg
One of the smallest countries in Europe, Luxembourg scored some of the highest ratings across the range of performance criteria. Having ranked 5th in both Biodiversity and Water Resources indicates their commitment to protecting the ecosystems vitality. (EPI: 79.12)
6. UK
The UK is one of the most populated countries in Europe with over 65 million people. Its also one of the wealthiest nations so its expected for their environmental health indicator to rank highly, but what was impressive was the ecosystems vitality markers such as managing water resources, biodiversity and habitat as well as low air pollution. (EPI: 78.77).
5. Sweden
Swedes epitomize what it means to be sustainable, with urban farming initiatives, preserving bees and other pollinators. Shifts from oil to district heating systems - a centralized heating system allowing a central plant to provide efficient sustainable heating and cooling systems like making use of recycled heat from industries . They make up 80% of Sweden's apartments heating and hot water. (EPI: 80.51)
4 Malta
Malta is determined to meet the 2020 European environmental strategy. Taking initiatives such as photovoltaic power generation. Freshwater scarcity is mitigated through reverse-osmosis plants as well as government re-piping to reduce water leakage from the grid. Malta's rural areas are heavily protected from unsustainable development through regulation and permits. (EPI: 80.90).
3. Denmark
Denmark have big sustainability plans, both the public and private sector are committed to an energy system without fossil fuels by 2050. 30% of all their energy comes from renewable sources.Environmental sciences is a big focus with companies such as Grundfos and Danfoss creating water control and heating systems aiming to minimise environmental impact. (EPI: 81.6)
2. France
France are renowned for their vast rural landscapes and agriculture industry, producing some of the finest wines in the world. French nuclear power plants generate 80% of national electricity supply - although this produces radioactive waste air quality is higher than from burning coal which emits high levels of CO2. (EPI: 83.95)
1. Switzerland
Top spot goes to the Swiss! and deservedly so, they have gone above and beyond across all performance indicators. Respecting nature is part of they're lifestyle and culture and it certainly shows. So bask in the victory Switzerland! An inspiration to all nations for their environmental sustainability, not to forget the chocolate, watchmaking skills and cheese fondue of course! (EPI: 87.42) #onewayticket
Sources:
https://www.azocleantech.com/article.aspx?ArticleID=550
https://epi.envirocenter.yale.edu/epi-topline?country=&order=field_epi_rank_new&sort=asc
https://denmark.dk
http://www.sgi-network.org/2017/Malta/Environmental_Policies
Really enjoying these pieces, looking forward to the next one.