It is always good to live and work in the cleanest countries in the world, as there is hardly any dust or garbage on the roads and surroundings.
Cleanliness is one of the most essential characteristics that determine an individual’s entire lifespan. As you can see, having access to clean water and air, efficient waste disposal processes, and adequate sanitation can affect a person’s quality of life.
Living in an environmentally friendly country, such as Estonia, Denmark and Sweden, recognized by the Environmental Performance Index (EPI), contributes significantly to a higher quality of life through successful sustainability initiatives, renewable energy use, and eco-friendly practices.
Understanding the Environmental Performance Index (EPI)
The Environmental Performance Index, or EPI, is a metric that evaluates the environmental friendliness and cleanliness levels of 180 countries in the world. The environmental performance index report, particularly the 2024 report, ranks countries based on their EPI scores, highlighting the top 10 cleanest countries and their environmental health. Yale and Columbia universities created it with the World Economic Forum (WEF). The Environmental Performance Index measures 40 performance indicators across 11 categories related to three overarching policy objectives: ecosystem vitality, climate change performance, and environmental health. These categories include air quality, water and sanitation, biodiversity and habitat, and sustainability.
Definition of EPI
The Environmental Performance Index (EPI) is a comprehensive tool used to measure a country’s environmental performance. Developed by Yale University and Columbia University researchers in collaboration with the World Economic Forum (WEF), the EPI assesses a nation’s approach to environmental sustainability, climate change mitigation, and environmental health. The index evaluates 40 performance indicators across 11 categories, including air quality, water and sanitation, biodiversity and habitat, and sustainability. The EPI enables countries to assess their environmental policies and progress towards environmental goals, providing a valuable framework for evaluating and improving environmental performance.
10 cleanest countries in the world 2024
According to a report by World Population Review, here is a list of the 10 cleanest countries in the world in 2024.
Estonia is recognized as the world’s cleanest country due to its effective environmental policies, pristine natural landscapes, and exceptional air quality.
1. Estonia (EPI Index: 75.3)
Estonia, a tiny European nation next to the Baltic Sea, is thought to be the cleanest nation on earth. It got an EPI 2024 score of 75.3. Solid waste management is one of the key parameters assessed by the EPI. It tops the list due to its freshwater resources, pure water, and green surroundings.
2. Luxembourg (EPI Index: 75)
Luxembourg has made tremendous progress in mitigating the negative consequences on the environment despite its rapid population and GDP expansion. It received a 75 overall, but its results in wastewater treatment (98), drinking water (97.8), and sanitation (100) are more noteworthy. A relatively tiny nation with roughly 648,000 residents, Luxembourg is mostly rural with plenty woods and vast natural parks.
3. Germany (EPI Index: 74.6)
Germany is known for being the third-cleanest nation worldwide. Its EPI is 74.6 in 2024. It is a leader in fields including biodiversity, habitat preservation, sustainability, and environmental protection. Numerous cities in the nation are well-known for their environmentally conscious efforts. With 82 percent of its total area designated as green space, Freiburg is frequently praised as the greenest city in Germany. For sustainable living, the city encourages bicycling and public transportation.
4. Finland (EPI Index: 73.7)
The 4th cleanest nation on the list is Finland. Finland gets about 42 percent of its energy from renewable sources. It gets flawless scores for drinking water, sanitation, and heavy metal exposure, and is ranked third in the world for air quality (93.5). Conservation of forests and animals is another top priority in the nation.
5. United Kingdom (EPI Index: 72.7)
In addition to being well-known for its sports, literature, and history, the United Kingdom has made great strides towards environmental sustainability. The UK ranked fifth in the world in 2024 with an EPI of 72.7. County Durham is among the UK’s cleanest regions. The local council has made a significant investment of billions of pounds in environmental services, and citizens are now actively involved in recycling initiatives. The UK is home to several places that are rich in culture and offer stunning natural surroundings.
6. Sweden (EPI Index: 70.5)
Sweden has an EPI of 70.5. Being well-known for its use of renewable energy sources and low carbon dioxide emissions, the nation is among the most sustainability-focused in the world. The country has more vegetation and is, therefore, very focused on the environment.
7. Norway (EPI Index: 70)
Norway ranks 7th in the world for cleanliness. The nation has a score of 70 on the 2024 EPI. Norway’s dedication to sustainability and environmental preservation has long been acknowledged. Norway is also committed to reducing greenhouse gas emissions, implementing strict regulations to minimize its environmental impact. Norway’s effective waste management system, which has high recycling and appropriate garbage disposal rates, is one of its most remarkable accomplishments. As a result of these initiatives, there is less environmental contamination, and the nation is generally cleaner and healthier. Norway is a good choice for those who enjoy the outdoors and ecotourism.
8. Austria (EPI Index: 69)
Austria is notable for being one of cleanest nations worldwide. The country’s EPI score as of 2024 is 69. About two thirds of Austria’s land is covered in lush woods, which are well-known for their beauty. These woods support the general ecological balance and offer vital homes for animals. Austria has some of the cleanest tourist places available. The capital city of Vienna is well known for its wide open areas, architecture, and vibrant cultural scene. The grounds and Schönbrunn Palace are a must-see for history lovers.
9. Switzerland (EPI Index: 68)
Switzerland is renowned for its pristine surroundings and stunning scenery. Switzerland scored 68, placing it ninth in the 2024 EPI. One of Switzerland’s strengths is its ecosystem vitality. The nation boasts a high proportion of protected areas and well-protected terrestrial biomes, contributing to its abundant biodiversity. Switzerland’s diverse landscapes beautifully showcase the country’s natural splendour. Situated in the shadow of the Matterhorn peak, Zermatt is a car-free hamlet that is among the greatest and cleanest places to visit in Switzerland.
10. Denmark (EPI Index: 67.9)
One of the world’s cleanest nations is Denmark. Denmark’s 2024 Environmental Performance Index (EPI) score of 67.9 puts it in 10th place. The nation is excellent in fields like protecting biodiversity and marine protected zones. Denmark offers a variety of locations for travellers to explore, including its cities and landscapes. The capital, Copenhagen, is well-known for its old buildings and waterways. A must-see is the waterfront in Nyhavn, which is home to vibrant 17th-century townhouses and bustling eateries. The Little Mermaid monument and the Tivoli Gardens are both located in the city.
Read more: Most diverse countries in the world 2024
Countries with excellent waste management systems
Several countries have implemented effective waste management systems, significantly reducing their environmental impact. For instance, Sweden has a robust waste-to-energy program, which converts waste into heat and electricity. Germany has implemented a comprehensive recycling program, with a strong focus on reducing waste and increasing recycling rates. Denmark has also made significant strides in waste management, with a strong emphasis on reducing waste and increasing recycling rates. These countries serve as models for effective waste management, demonstrating the importance of implementing sustainable waste management practices to reduce environmental pollution.
Characteristics of clean countries
Clean countries share several key characteristics, including effective environmental policies and regulations, high levels of public awareness and education, and strong international cooperation and agreements.
Effective environmental policies and regulations
Clean countries have implemented effective environmental policies and regulations to reduce pollution and promote sustainability. For example, Norway has implemented a carbon tax to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, while Sweden has introduced an environmental tax reform to promote renewable energy. These policies have been instrumental in reducing pollution and promoting sustainable development.
High levels of public awareness and education
Clean countries also have high levels of public awareness and education about environmental issues. For instance, Finland has implemented a comprehensive environmental education program, which has increased public awareness about environmental issues and promoted sustainable behaviors. Similarly, Denmark has launched a national campaign to reduce waste and increase recycling rates, which has been successful in changing public behavior.
Strong international cooperation and agreements
Clean countries also engage in strong international cooperation and agreements to address global environmental challenges. For example, the European Union has implemented a range of environmental policies and agreements, including the Paris Agreement on climate change, which has brought countries together to address this global challenge. Similarly, the Nordic countries have formed a regional cooperation agreement to address environmental issues, such as air pollution and climate change.
By implementing effective environmental policies and regulations, promoting public awareness and education, and engaging in international cooperation and agreements, clean countries have been able to reduce pollution and promote sustainable development, serving as models for other countries to follow.
How did Estonia become the world’s cleanest country?
Estonia has some of the most aggressive and successful environmental legislation in the world, and its clean and green performance reflects this.
Protection of the environment
With a score of 75.3 out of 100, the Baltic nation outperformed all other nations in terms of mitigating climate change and other areas. It’s easy to see why Estonia is now ranked #1 in the world on the Environmental Performance Index (EPI) for 2024, which measures how successfully nations safeguard human health and natural resources.
Reduction of emissions
Estonia has been making a lot of effort to care for the environment. Its objective is to become totally fossil fuel independent by 2050, and it is on track to achieve this goal as one of the five that has reduced greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions at the pace required to meet the deadline. Estonia will not only be on schedule to attain zero emissions by 2050, but it will also be able to do so without going over its permitted part of the remaining carbon budget if it continues at the current rapid rate of decarbonization. Not a single nation outside the Global South is positioned to make it happen.
Reduction of air pollution
“Air pollution remains the most serious environmental threat to public health,” states the most recent Environmental Protection Index. Only seven nations have air that is clean enough to fulfil World Health Organization (WHO) standards, according to research done by Swiss IQAir. Australia, Finland, Grenada, Iceland, Mauritius, New Zealand, and Estonia are these nations. Additionally, it stated that although there are still major health concerns associated with the air, it is cleaner now than it has been in the last century.
Protection of habitats and biodiversity
The growing catastrophe of biodiversity loss — which is exacerbating climate change and putting many species at serious risk — was brought to light by the 2024 EPI index. Estonia is ranked seventh in the world in the categories of biodiversity and habitat and ecosystem vitality. It is excellent in this field and has a large number of protected areas, which account for a large amount of its ecosystems.
Conclusion
Certainly, living or working in any of the cleanest countries in the world has several advantages. Apart from healthy environment and fresh air, it can also add to the economic factor. There are high chances that cleanest countries can expect to have large tourism numbers, thus contributing to the economy. At the same time, many corporate organizations would likely be keen to set up their offices or branches in these countries. This will help the economy to grow and become strong. Therefore, high living standards and a strong commitment to environmental sustainability are characteristics of the cleanest nations in the world.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How can I invest or live in the world’s cleanest nation?
Your wealth, happiness, and well-being may all increase if you invest in or live in a clean nation. It is advised to get in touch with reliable industry professionals with a wealth of knowledge prior to relocating to or making investments in such a nation.
What is Environmental Performance Index (EPI)?
There are several ways to evaluate environmental performance, and the Environmental Performance Index (EPI) is a thorough resource that rates 180 nations using 58 different metrics. Estonia scored 75.3 points in the most recent EPI assessment, making it the world’s greenest and cleanest nation in 2024.
What are some other clean countries?Â
According to the EPI report, some other top performers include Luxembourg (75), Germany (74.6), Finland (73.7), the United Kingdom (72.7), Sweden (70.5), Norway (70), Austria (69) and Switzerland (68).
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