Greenest Countries 2022

Some nations place a greater emphasis on protecting the environment than others. The efficiency of a country’s present environmental protection measures and policies frequently reflect this.

Green refers to a country’s, community’s, or organization’s commitment to environmental stewardship.

People and resources in the world’s greenest nations are protected and even restored via various measures and policies aimed at preserving the environment and its resources while also improving the health of its population.

Environmental Performance Index

The Environmental Performance Index (EPI) assesses and quantifies a country’s environmental performance and trends. With the EPI, nations may assess how close they are to their environmental policy objectives and the aims of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

This year’s Environmental Performance Index evaluates 180 nations based on 24 performance metrics that include 10 different environmental concerns and action areas.

These metrics show which nations lead the pack when it comes to environmental protection. They serve as a guide for those countries hoping to transition to a more environmentally friendly and sustainable future.

Greenest Countries

What are the world’s greenest countries? In terms of the EPI’s rankings, the world’s greenest nations have the greatest policies to deal with the environmental challenges they confront. Listed here are the world’s 10 greenest nations.

1. Switzerland

Switzerland is the greenest nation globally, with a total score of 87.42. For water cleanliness, Switzerland achieved a score of 99.99, and for water resources, it received a 99.67.

Another area in which Switzerland excels is using renewable energy sources, such as solar power, wind turbines, hydroelectricity, and geothermal heat pumps.

2. France

France is well-known for its environmental measures, such as its riverside hydro turbines and a ban on retailers discarding or destroying unsold food (still of good quality). A total of 83.95 was France’s overall score, with a particularly high score of 96.82 for air pollution.

3. Denmark

For an overall score of 81.60%, Denmark is ranked third as the most environmentally friendly nation. For its efforts to combat climate change and reduce greenhouse gas emissions, Denmark is well-known worldwide. The biodiversity & habitat ratings, as well as the air quality, make this nation stand out.

4. Malta

Its EPI score is 80.9, ranking first in biodiversity and habitats and second in water resources. Malta is noted for its efficient and ecologically friendly rail system and agritourism opportunities.

Malta faces some difficulties as the world’s fourth-greenest nation, including a lack of land and natural resources, a dependence on imported energy, water shortages, and garbage management.

5. Sweden

Sweden has an EPI score of 80.51, making it the fifth greenest nation in the world. Sustainable practices, such as Sweden’s reliance on renewable energy and minimal carbon dioxide emissions, have made it a global leader in environmental protection.

With a target date of 2045, Sweden’s government pledged to eliminate fossil fuels and operate entirely on renewable energy. Sweden received a flawless score in the heavy metals category for tackling the dangers of lead exposure.

6. United Kingdom

The overall EPI score for the United Kingdom is 79.89. Sixth-greenest country? The United Kingdom is ranked sixth. Water and sanitation, comprising drinking water and sanitation, received 100 for the United Kingdom.

Currently, the United Kingdom is home to around 8,879 wind turbines, which provide the nation with reliable, environmentally friendly electricity.

7. Luxembourg

With a population and GDP increasing, Luxembourg nonetheless ranks as the seventh-greenest nation in the world, mainly to its efforts to separate environmental concerns from economic development.

It ranks fifth in biodiversity and habitat with an EPI score of 79.12, while water resources get an EPI value of 99.76, placing Luxembourg fifth overall.

8. Austria

Austria’s EPI rating is 78.97. Environmental regulations in the nation are well-known for their strictness in waste management, chemical use, and air pollution. Austria scored 71.34 for agriculture and 74.03 for ecosystem vitality, making it one of the top countries in the world.

9. Ireland

Ireland has an EPI score of 78.77, making it the ninth greenest nation in the world. For both water and sanitation and air quality, Ireland received a flawless score of 100 out of 100.

10. Finland

With an EPI score of 78.64, Finland rounds out the top ten greenest nations. Finland comes out on top when it comes to environmental health, scoring a perfect 100. Additionally, Finland ranked well in heavy metal exposure, water and sanitation, and air quality.

Also See: Energy Consumption by Country 2022

Because of this, Finland places a high value on preserving its forests and animals, and 35 percent of its electricity comes from renewable sources.