Countries of the world over the years have invested in industrialization like never before, with innovations in various sectors like transportation, communication, energy etc.
These improvements nevertheless bring along numerous effects on our planet with climate change, global warming and pollution becoming increasingly a concern. However, there are countries making notable advancements through their actions and programs, to ensure a safer environment.
The environmental policies of countries are classified based on the Environmental Performance Index which measures the activities of countries aimed at ensuring a better and cleaner environment for its populace. Here are the 10 greenest countries in the world who have the highest ranking among 180 countries.
1. Denmark
With a score of 82.5 in the Environmental Performance Index (EPI) of 2020, the European country embarks on policies and programs that prevents climate change. The country is also known for its remarkable score in biodiversity, air quality and policies aimed at preventing greenhouse emission.
Reducing pollution and addressing climate change remain important for the country as Denmark continues to embrace renewable source of energy and nature conservation. More than 40% of its energy comes from wind, a renewable eco friendly source.
2. Luxembourg
With a population of less than a million inhabitants, Luxembourg is the smallest and one of the wealthiest countries in Europe. Speaking of riches, the country also has a rich ecosystem as the 2nd greenest country in the world with a score of 82.3 in the EPI.
Much renowned for its numerous castles, housing projects in the country aims at ensuring every building has a net-zero co2 emission. As the country seeks to maintain a sustainable population growth, the citizens continue to enjoy a high standard of living in a safe environment.
3. Switzerland
Another Scandinavian country in the old continent seeking a sustainable, clean environment. Laws have been implemented by the Swiss authorities to ensure that the country remains one based on green economy and renewable energy. With astounding measures that encourages recycling and the usage of re-usable shopping bags, Switzerland stands out as one of the countries with the best waste management system.
4. United Kingdom
The Island nation is not only known for its political and economic power but also its temperate forests, rolling hills and wetlands. The United Kingdom runs an admirable strategy toward sustainable ecosystem scoring 81.3 in the EPI.
With an almost perfect score in wastewater treatment and ecosystem viability, the great Island improves renewable energy with over 8000 wind turbines to supply sustainable, clean green power while lowing carbon emission and water conservation.
5. France
Voila, though dropping from its 2nd place rank in 2018, France’s policies aimed at reducing air pollution and ensuring an eco-friendly nation makes it finds a place in the top 5 with an EPI of 80. France seeks to put in place, environmental policies that helps food protection, water and energy conservation. The country also continues to push for law the protection its terrestrial and marine biodiversity
These laws also support the growth and development of environmentally friendly business. The country is likewise investing in research programs for the development of clean technology especially in the transport sector.
6. Austria
Having an EPI of 79.6, Austria is the 6th most eco-friendly country on the planet. With measures preventing pollution of all sorts and proper waste management, the country strives to preserve its environment. The country’s agricultural sector has been greatly improved through regulations relating to the application of pesticides to plant produce as well as the forest protection by discouraging deforestation all aimed at making the country greener.
7. Finland
Ranked 7th greenest country, Finland has a score of 78.9. A continuous change has been seen in the country which ensures that emission of greenhouse gases and other harmful activities are prevented. The result is evident as Finland topped the chart among the countries with the best air quality with a score of 99.3.
With renewable energy sources accounting for just 25% of Finland’s energy sources and the about 50% from the burning of coal, gas or oil, projects are also being put in place to ensure the increase and development of more renewable energy sources in the country. Also, conserving one of Finland’s most valuable natural resources, its vast forest, remains a top priority in the country.
8. Sweden
Just like its neighboring countries, Sweden makes the rank among the greenest countries on our planet with an Environmental Protection Index score of 78.7 putting it in the 8th position. In a bid to prevent pollution, the Scandinavian country plans on putting an end to the use of fossil fuel having embraced renewable energy which is an eco-friendly energy source and low carbon dioxide emission.
9. Norway
Boasting an EPI score of 77.7, an overall environmental health score of 98.5 and a perfect score in sanitation and drinking water, Norway is one of the countries with a significant improvement towards a greener environment.
Sustainable development policies and effective programs are being implemented by the authorities in order to achieve the goal of a carbon-neutral country by the year 2030. The use of eco-friendly source of energy is being encouraged among the populace, all aimed at keeping its environment clean and safe.
10. Germany
Though known for its industrial prowess especially in automobiles, Deutschland finishes this list of top 10 of greenest countries. With a large amount of its territory covered by forest, Germany continues to be a leading advocate for sustainable environment in Europe. The country accumulated an EPI of 77.2 and continues to work to improve this ranking with policies seeking to reduce the emission of dangerous gases and ensure a greener environment.
Incentives are given to investors in renewable energy leading to an increase in investment thereby reducing the cost of renewable energy.
