Think Green Live Clean

Photo Credit: David Gil

According to the latest version of the Environmental Performance Index, Iceland leads the world as the top nation in environmental performance. The index is put together by researchers from both Columbia University and Yale University. A number of factors are examined in determining where countries rank on the index, and a final cumulative score is given to each country ranging from 25-100. Iceland received a 93.5. Among the factors considered for ranking are “environmental health, preservation of habitat and reductions in greenhouse gases, air pollution and waste.”

Iceland’s sound energy policies take much of the credit for the first place finish. The state obtains most of its power from renewable sources, such as hydropower and geothermal energy. Iceland is not the only country representing Europe however. Many of the nations that comprise the top tier of the Index are in fact European, including Switzerland, Sweden, Norway and Finland.

Unfortunately the United States is not as competitive as its Western counterparts. This year it dropped 22 slots from its previous rating, going from 39^th to 61^st.  However, it is hard to accurately compare the previous index with the current one due to changing scientific research, practice, and technology. That is a drawback of the index in general.

Although it may not be full-proof yet, it seems the Environmental Performance Index provides at least some insight into the environmental performance of participating countries. Hopefully the practice will be refined so that countries with effective environmental performance can be recognized, dissected and emulated.

Check out the full story at The New York Times.