Environmental degradation has attracted global attention, with critical environmental and climate challenges faced by human activities. However, there are 10 most environmentally friendly countries in the world that implement an environmentally friendly lifestyle.

A country can be considering environmentally friendly when it engages in processes and practices that minimize harm to the ecosystem. Moreover, these nations often adhere to sustainable principles, resulting in minimal negative impacts.

To assess a country’s environmental friendliness, the Environmental Performance Index (EPI) is employing. Compiled annually by the Yale Center for Environmental Law & Policy, EPI is a statistical method that gauges the collective environmental impact of a country’s policies. In 2020, EPI rank 180 countries base on 32 indicators related to environmental health and ecosystem vitality.

Indicators include air pollution levels, drinking water quality, fish stock health, and wetland management, among others.

Top 10 Most Environmentally Friendly Countries

Denmark

Securing the top spot as the world’s most environmentally friendly country in 2022, Denmark boasts an EPI score of 77.9. The nation’s accomplishments encompass clean energy efforts, sustainable agriculture practices, and a firm commitment to achieving carbon neutrality by 2050. Denmark is further celebrated for initiatives such as eco-friendly hotels, solar-powered ships, and the promotion of organic food production.

The United Kingdom

The United Kingdom secures the second position with an EPI score of 77.7. The UK’s accolades include carbon neutrality like Denmark, high-quality drinking water sanitation, household fuel management, and soil acidification control.

Finland

Finland, often recognized as one of the happiest countries globally, also ranks third among the most environmentally friendly nations with a score of 76.5 in 2022.

Leading in multiple indicators, Finland excels in areas such as Marine Protected Areas, Grassland Protection, Soil Acidification, Wastewater Treatment, Household Solid Fuels, PM2.5 Air Quality, Sanitation, Drinking Water, Heavy Metals, and Black Carbon Emissions. Its strengths lie in the reliance on renewable energy sources, forest conservation, and wildlife protection, among other aspects.

Malta

Malta achieves a score of 75.2, ranking fourth for its efforts in protecting tree cover, trophic index for fisheries, drinking water quality, dinitrogen oxide emissions, and economic growth decoupling from increased greenhouse gas emissions.

Sweden

Sweden secures the fifth spot with an EPI score of 72.7. This ranking is attributed to Sweden’s exceptional air and water quality, soil acidification control, and PM2.5 atmospheric quality. The country is recognized for its use of renewable energy sources and low carbon emissions.

Luxembourg

Luxembourg, a small European nation, stands at sixth place with a score of 72.3. The country excels in biodiversity preservation, sanitation, waste management, solid household fuels, and soil acidification control.

Slovenia

Slovenia, situated in Eastern Europe, holds the seventh position with a score of 67.3. Slovenia ranks second in terms of ecosystem vitality, terrestrial biome protection, wetland loss, soil acidification control, and species protection. Over 30% of Slovenia’s territory is protected land.

Austria

Austria obtains an EPI score of 66.5, ranking eighth. Austria leads in ecosystem vitality, stringent waste management, chemical exposure, air pollution, and sustainable pesticide and fertilizer use in agriculture.

Switzerland

Switzerland holds an EPI score of 65.9. It excels in environmental health, sustainable practices, water sanitation, and water resource quality. Switzerland leads globally in recycling and relies heavily on hydroelectric power.

Iceland

Iceland secures the tenth spot with an EPI score of 62.9. The country ranks first in environmental health, air quality, PM2.5 levels, ozone protection, sanitation, drinking water quality, waste management, recycling, lead exposure, and more.

While Iceland has its shortcomings, it has made strides in agricultural sector management.

Conclusion

Top 10 environmentally friendly countries serve as exemplars of eco-conscious practices and sustainability. Their commitment to preserving natural resources, minimizing pollution, and mitigating climate change sets a standard for others to follow. By adopting similar practices, more nations can contribute to a healthier, more sustainable planet.