Top 7 of the World’s Environmentally Nations
The number of microplastics in the ocean has reached 51 trillion, according to the United Nations. There are 500 times as many stars in this galaxy. Microplastics can then enter our food, water, and air, affecting our lives in more ways than we can possibly imagine.
However, plastic is not the only pollutant posing a threat to our planet. The air is heavily polluted by manufacturing and transportation, and agricultural activities have a significant impact on the health of the soil. Fortunately, countries all over the world are becoming increasingly interested in preventing global pollution. Not all nations are great at being harmless to the ecosystem, yet there are nations that set a genuine model. The reasons why we made the list of the seven environmentally countries in the world are outlined below.
Finland:
With an Environmental Performance Index (EPI) score of 90.68 out of 100 in 2018, Finland leads the list. The nation was successful in achieving its goal of becoming carbon neutral by 2050. Renewable energy sources now account for more than 35% of the country’s electricity, particularly wind power. We intend to use 50 percent renewable energy by 2050.
Both at home and in public places, recycling is encouraged. Most supermarkets have recycling stations where customers can exchange metal and plastic containers for gift cards.
The Saimaa ringed seal, the world’s rarest seal, is another endangered species for which conservation groups continue to fight.
Iceland:
With an EPI of 90.51, Iceland is second on the list, but they are very close. The Hellishei’i geothermal power plant, which has the capacity to generate 303 MW of power, is the most well-known building in the nation. As a result, it ranks among the world’s largest geothermal power plants.
The government will soon grant local governments the authority to temporarily prohibit or restrict vehicle traffic in order to combat air pollution. After Reykjavik measured nitrogen dioxide three times above the safe limit, this occurred. Recentest in November 2019
In 2018, China and China signed a $250 million contract to provide technology to produce geothermal power. China is committed to fighting pollution.
Sweden:
With an EPI of 90.43, Sweden completes the podium, and numerous plans call for these numbers to rise. The first city in the world to eliminate all fossil fuels by 2030 was Vaxjo, Sweden, in 1996. At the time, 7.3 was the EU average.
Additionally, 90% of Gothenburg’s apartment buildings are heated by a 1,200-kilometer district heating network, making it Sweden’s second-largest city.
Swedes are aware of the significance of bees and butterflies, who transform the roof into a veritable field to aid in the repopulation of insects.
Denmark:
Denmark comes in fourth on this list, which appears to be dominated by northern nations. A significant investment in clean air technology makes it possible to achieve an EPI of 89.21. Utilizing balers and compactors to compact waste for easy disposal is one of the most common commercial waste management strategies. The baler, also known as the “ball press” among Danes, is now almost a necessity in all business establishments across the nation.
Since 1980, global water consumption has increased by 1% annually, according to recent reports, and this pattern is expected to continue until 2050. to discourage people from purchasing water bottles. The state is also receiving assistance from several private businesses to reduce water consumption by 30% and possibly by 50% by 2025.
Slovenia:
Although Slovenia is not a popular vacation spot, the Netherlands-based organization Green Destinations has ranked the country as the world’s most eco-friendly destination. It’s possible that his 88.98 EPI has something to do with it. The nation intends to encourage other more well-known destinations to do the same after taking a significant step toward promoting sustainable tourism.
Additionally, compared to the EU average of 42%, the nation recycles 60% of its plastic packaging waste, placing it fourth in the recycling of plastic packaging. As in 2013, when environmental pollution was not a hot topic in the media, Slovenia was the EU member state that made the most progress in waste management, which is not surprising.
Spain:
After battling for quite a while, Spain’s EPI of 88.92 was put forth conceivable by the huge attempts of both the public authority and the confidential area to give Spaniards the resources to battle contamination. The Muévete en verde project is one of these initiatives. Its goal is to cut CO2 emissions by planting vegetable gardens on bus shelter roofs.
However, Spain’s culture appears to be the most advantageous aspect. The Spanish have a lot of green habits and are doing them before going green becomes a trend, even though the country wants to abandon some of its more traditional ways of life: Some of them include taking a shower, drying clothes outside, walking, or taking the bus without a car.
Portugal:
Portugal rounds out the top seven with an EPI of 88.63. The nation emerged from the shadows thanks to what took place in 2016. From May 7 to May 10, 2016, the nation used only 100% renewable energy for 107 consecutive hours. Numerous international organizations hailed this experiment as a significant accomplishment for Europe.
Tourism, which has increased significantly in recent years, is one of the country’s main sources of pollution. However, efforts are being made to combat this trend, retain tourists, and promote environmentally friendly practices at the same time.