Top Green countries of the World

[Sue Miles]

Our planet is getting hotter each passing day and the efforts we are taking to slow down the climate change is looking well short of enough each passing day. The threat posed by the climate change is immense and although world leaders are aware of this fact, the steps taken are in the right direction but the pace at which they are taken is really slow.

Recently, the ‘Climate Change Performance Index 2015’ (CCPI) assessed the green credentials of 58 countries which are accountable for over 90 percent of global energy-related CO₂ emissions. This index is produced by lobbying groups Germanwatch and Climate Action Network Europe and uses standardized criteria to assess the performance of each country with respect to climate change and the efforts put in by them to protect the climate.

Perhaps the most fascinating outcome of the index is that no countries are featured in the top 3 of the list. According to CCPI, the efforts put in by the countries are nowhere near where it should be and hence the highest place is managed by Denmark which stands at 4^th. It comes as no surprise that top 10 of the list is dominated by European countries. The United States managed to occupy a dismal 44^th spot, one place above China.

The UK managed to get on the 5^th spot as they have shown a range of initiatives in order to reduce emissions and the country plans to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions by 80 percent by 2050 from a 1990 baseline. Although they have shown some conservative approach in the last year, the government is well on track to follow the world’s first legally binding climate change target.

According to CCPI, Sweden has cut down its greenhouse gas emission by about 70 percent in the last five years and it further plans to cut 40 percent by 2020. The country is looking to derive at least half of its energy from renewable sources. And for the third year in running, Denmark came top in the rankings. The country’s greenhouse gas emissions have seen steady decline since 1997 and they are well on track to generate half of its electricity from wind energy by 2020. 

[Ruthanne Hort]

Every country should work on increasing the green plants and trees to reduce the increase in temperature that will automatically reduce global warming. We should also reduce the use of fuels and things that work by burning fuels, it will be an effective step to reduce climate changes on earth.

[JenniferHahnMasterson]

quite an interesting read, I thoroughly enjoyed it.

[Fabian Henderson]

Evaluating the "greenness" of countries involves considering various factors, including environmental policies, sustainability practices, and the overall impact on the environment. While rankings can change over time, here are some countries known for their commitment to environmental sustainability and being "green" as of my last knowledge update in September 2023:

1. Sweden: Sweden is a leader in renewable energy, recycling, and sustainable transportation. It has ambitious goals for carbon neutrality and is known for its clean and efficient public transportation systems.

2. Denmark: Denmark has invested heavily in wind energy and is home to some of the world's largest wind turbine manufacturers. Danish cities like Copenhagen are known for their bicycle-friendly infrastructure.

3. Norway: Norway is a pioneer in electric vehicles (EVs) and renewable energy. The country has set ambitious goals for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and is known for its stunning natural landscapes.

4. Finland: Finland places a strong emphasis on sustainable forestry practices and has a high percentage of forested land. It's also known for its clean technology innovations.

5. Iceland: Iceland is a leader in geothermal energy and hydroelectric power. It has made significant progress in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and is known for its pristine natural environment.

6. New Zealand: New Zealand has a strong focus on preserving its unique natural environment and biodiversity. It's known for its commitment to clean energy and sustainability.

7. Canada: Canada is known for its vast wilderness and efforts to protect it. The country invests in renewable energy and has vast forests that act as carbon sinks.

8. Switzerland: Switzerland is committed to environmental protection and sustainable practices. It's known for its efficient public transportation and efforts to reduce emissions.

9. Germany: Germany is a leader in solar energy and has made substantial investments in green technologies. It's known for its "Energiewende" transition to renewable energy sources.

10. Austria: Austria places a strong emphasis on sustainability and is known for its clean energy initiatives, including hydropower.

It's important to note that the commitment to environmental sustainability can vary within countries, with some regions or cities leading the way. Additionally, rankings can change over time as countries implement new policies and technologies to address environmental challenges. To assess the current "greenness" of a country, it's essential to consider the most recent data and reports on environmental performance and sustainability efforts.