At a time when sustainability and environmental consciousness measures are a pressing issue in contemporary society, some countries can be considered outstanding in terms of environmental conservation. Most of these nations have put strong measures in place, supported green energy production, and encouraged the community’s conservation consciousness. These initiatives and achievements are highlighted in this article that considers the top environmentally friendly countries.
1. Switzerland
Environmental performance indices put Switzerland at the top most of the time. The country has significantly improved in the conservation of the environment due to the presence of stunning vistas. Switzerland’s Environmental Performance Index (EPI) score in 2022 was 81.5, placing it among the top countries globally.
Some of the important environmental factors that have perhaps contributed to the status of Switzerland include appropriate environmental policies, proper waste management, and research on the conservation of energy. Switzerland gets more than 60% of its electricity from hydropower and has plans to expand the usage of solar and wind power in the future years. Also, the Swiss population uses a very efficient public transport system that has minimized the use of cars and consequently carbon emissions.
2. Sweden
Sweden performs greatly in the sphere of environmental protection; it focuses on specific indicators for this area and green technologies. The country’s EPI score is 80.1, reflecting its commitment to environmental excellence. Sweden’s success stems from its aggressive targets to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and its significant investments in renewable energy.
The current official Swedish strategy implies reducing greenhouse gas emissions to zero by 2045, which may be successfully accomplished due to the increased usage of renewable energy sources. More than 54% of the energy used in Sweden is generated from renewables including wind, hydropower, and bioenergy. The country also has a powerful recycling system as 98,7% of household waste is recycled or utilized for obtaining energy.
3. Denmark
Denmark is recognized globally for its active participation in the protection of natural resources and sustainable use of the earth’s resources. With an EPI score of 79.3, Denmark has demonstrated exceptional commitment to green energy and environmental policies. For this reason, due to a strategic-development vision on wind energy, Denmark takes a place among the leading countries in the world where wind power contributes more than 50% of the electricity used in the country.
Copenhagen is the capital city of Denmark, this city has embraced the challenge of chasing the dream of being the world’s first city, which does not emit any carbon by 2025. The outlined policies touch on mobility, particularly those that will enhance cycling and public transport, and development, which embraces the construction of green buildings.
4. Finland
Finland is another Scandinavian country making significant strides in environmental conservation. The country’s EPI score of 78.9 underscores its commitment to protecting natural resources and reducing environmental impact. A key strength is that Finland has enjoyed responsible management of its forest resources together with focusing on clean technologies.
Almost half of Finland’s total area is forestlands that have the function of reducing carbon dioxide levels in the atmosphere and maintaining biodiversity. The Finnish government has placed special measures in the use of forests mainly to support the economic aspects while still striving to protect the natural environment of the country. The country is also focusing on developing new clean technologies like bioenergy and intelligent electric networks to continue to decrease the carbon level.
5. Norway
Norway is often cited as a model for environmental sustainability, with an EPI score of 77.7. The oil wealth of the country has been used to build the country of the future in terms of renewable energy and electricity, climate change, and electric cars, among others.
Currently, the number of electric cars sold in Norway is among the highest in the world; in 2021, EVs represented 54% of new car sales. This is through a healthy incentive mechanism that has been put in place with regard to the utilization of EVs and as a consequence, there has been a significant reduction in emissions emanating from the transport sector. Moreover, the country gets 97.5% of its electricity demand through renewable sources with a dominating position held by hydropower.
6. Germany
Germany is a powerhouse in environmental innovation and sustainability. The country’s EPI score of 77.2 highlights its strong commitment to environmental protection and green energy. Germany’s ambitious Energiewende (energy transition) policy aims to shift from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources.
Germany has tremendously invested in solar and wind power for its energy generation where in 2020 renewable energy contributed to 46% of electricity consumption in the country. On the other hand, the country scores highly in recycling, standing at 67% recycled materials and considered one of the highest in the world. Another reason why Germany has been leading in environmental conservation is its organized public transport systems together with its active implementation of policy on cutting industrial emissions.
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These countries prove that sustained improvement of the environment is possible and feasible when there is a concerted drive, appropriate policies, and a strategic outlook. Switzerland, Sweden, Denmark, Finland, Norway & Germany can be reviewed as to how effectively the country could move forward with the growth of its economy and protection of the environment in parallel. The examples of these countries as well as the results obtained can be helpful for other states that are concerned with developing the quality of the environment and sustainable development.
For further reading on these countries’ environmental initiatives, you can visit the Environmental Performance Index website and explore detailed reports and
| Leading the Way: Top Environmentally Friendly Countries in 2024 |
statistics on global environmental performance.
