If you’ve ever wondered which are the greenest countries in the world, you’ve come to the right place. The grass is always greener on the other side, or so they say. Well, in nearly literal terms, the grass is actually greener (or at the least the environment as a whole is) in some countries and cities compared to others. Indeed, some countries have a much greener environment with larger swaths of natural environment both inside and outside of their cities.
“Being green” has come to mean much more than just the amount of natural environment however, it now also represents the level of consciousness of environmental care and pro-ecological behavior in a country or region, and how well they protect their delicate ecosystems from human encroachment, and that factors into the rankings of the greenest countries in the world.
Green spaces have proven to be a key factor regarding the quality of life within a city or country. Especially in populated cities where everyday life is stressful, hectic, and intense, green areas help people relax and regain some peace. But big cities, nicknamed ‘concrete jungles’, don’t usually have green spaces to rest and connect with nature in this way. This has become a problem in some places, reducing the individual’s quality of life. We have compiled a list featuring the Top 20 Countries With The Best Quality of Life. Taking into account the Human Development Index, a statistical score which takes income, life expectancy, and education, the list reveals a ranking of the top nations with leading quality of life standards worldwide.
Moreover, over the past decades, governments have become more and more concerned with the effects of global climate change. This tendency led several countries to adopt new environmental policies, promoting sustainable initiatives and conscious living choices. According to the Environmental Performance Index (EPI), an index that includes 20 factors which indicate how “green” a nation is, we can consider the different countries’ behavior, regarding sustainable practices.
We have compiled a list of the ten greenest countries in the world from that index. Some of these have been developing for quite some time now different politic ideologies towards environmental care and improving sustainable solutions. Check out our list and find out which countries are considered the greenest in the world!
No. 10 Norway
Norway started in 2009 a global strategy to increase sustainability and develop new industries related to aquaculture.
No. 9 Sweden
This country received the title of “most sustainable country in the world” for its use of renewable energy sources and low carbon dioxide emissions. Moreover, Sweden is known for its progressive social legislation, as well as for its deep commitment to global environmental issues.
No. 8 Austria
Austria has been recycling waste over the past years, and its recycling rate is the highest in Europe. Germany and Belgium are also considered large recyclers, yet Austria leads this sector.
No. 7 Spain
This country’s main interest is in renewable and low carbon sources of energy. 15% of Spain’s energy is derived from hydropower, 19% is made from wind, and 20% comes from nuclear power.
No. 6 Germany
Germany is one of the leading countries in Europe regarding Environmental Performance (EPI). This country promotes all sorts of environmentally friendly solutions, such as green rooftops, waste recycling and renewable energy.
No. 5 Czech Republic
This country has been developing for some time an intense verve for the protection of its natural resources. Yet, air quality is still compromised in big cities by pollution.
No. 4 Singapore
Yes, Singapore. This country is the top performer in climate and energy of all the top ten greenest countries. Nevertheless, the country has yet to solve sustainable fisheries problems and overall water resources issues.
No. 3 Australia
This country is intensely advocated towards environmental protection, and has some of the most robust conservation policies and legislation in the world. Moreover, Australia has recently begun applying a concrete carbon tax scheme to help reduce its greenhouse gas emissions.
No 2. Luxembourg
Luxembourg has reached an important goal over the past years: it has been able to set aside 17% of its environment to be protected. Moreover, the country has a long history of meeting sustainable development criteria. It deserves the second place on the ranking.
No. 1 Switzerland
This country is known for being the greenest in the world. It has been reducing its carbon footprint, and has introduced 15 new regional parks over the past five years alone.
