Buzz
1. Iceland
- EPI Score: 93.5
- Average GDP: $36,000
Despite its GDP score of only 84.8 on the global scale, Iceland nearly reaches a perfect score of 97.4 for air pollution.
2. Costa Rica
- EPI Score: 86.4
- Average GDP: $9,600
As a nation in the group of developing countries, ranking third is a testament to the natural advantages and abundant natural resources of Costa Rica. With prudent development strategies, it can avoid the pitfalls of past developed nations, mitigating environmental pollution before embarking on true remediation efforts.
3. Switzerland
- EPI Score: 89.1
- Average GDP: $37,000
Switzerland boasts near-perfect scores in forestry, water sources, biodiversity, and more. However, like other industrialized nations, its lowest score lies in air pollution (impacting ecosystems).
4. Norway
- EPI Score: 81.1
- Average GDP: $48,000
Norway is immensely wealthy with vast reserves of oil and natural gas. However, with a population of only 4.7 million, the impact of these fossil fuels on global climate change cannot be attributed to Norway alone but rather to the nations utilizing them.
5. Sweden
- EPI Score: 86
- Average GDP: $33,400
Sweden boasts four cities with completely clean air, notably, both of its most populous cities, Stockholm and Gothenburg, are WHO-recognized for air quality.
6. France
- EPI Score: 78.2
- Average GDP: $31,000
Among the top 10 leading nations, France excels in criteria such as air quality, water quality, and fisheries management. A notable advantage in its EPI score is the strong development of nuclear power plants in the country.
7. Mauritius
- EPI Score: 80.6
- Average GDP: $10,000
Despite being a small island east of Madagascar in the Indian Ocean, Mauritius boasts the highest EPI score in Africa at 80.6. While the second-ranked nation on the continent scores only 60.5 in EPI. Complete isolation from the rest of the world is an advantage for Mauritius, helping the island nation maintain low pollution levels.
8. Cuba
- EPI Score: 78.1
- Average GDP: $8,500
Despite lingering concerns and a relatively low average income score of 65.7, Cuba still achieves a score of 78.1 in the EPI scale as assessed by American scientists.
Australia ranks 9th in the world with an EPI score of 78.1 and an average GDP of $35,000. With absolute scores in protecting ecosystems, Australia stands shoulder to shoulder with France in the top 10 cleanest countries.
Colombia, ranking 10th, boasts an EPI of 76.8 and an average GDP of $7,600. Among these 10 nations, Colombia is the poorest. Its high placement is attributed to its natural conditions and abundant resources. Colombia's carbon emissions are relatively low due to its hydroelectric system, which satisfies 70% of its power needs. This explains why, with a GDP average score of 51, Colombia achieves an EPI score of 82.7 in biodiversity protection criteria.
