Top 10 greenest nations

Now a days, protecting the environment from the global warming outcomes is gaining a wide acceptance and that countless people around the world have started to take measures by going green. Using solar power, recycling wastes, and using green items are some of these steps. But, as change in just few people does not bring a drastic change, many nations are awakening and have already efforts to stop those activities that are harmful for the environment. Listed below is the list of top 10 greenest nations on the planet that have discovered some methods to alleviate carbon as well as sulfur release in the atmosphere. And yes, these nations are mentioned as per their Environmental Performance Index (EPI) measured by the Yale University.

Iceland

EPI being the highest at 93.5, this is among the natural paradises on Earth blessed with the volcanoes, glaciers, and waterfalls. This small island aims at becoming 100% eco-friendly by utilizing its geothermal terrain for gaining electricity as well as heat from hydrogen. This hydrogen caters to the needs of the homeowners, offices, and transportation. Therefore, you will find hydrogen-powered buses for reaching your destination here. So, geothermal and hydrogen occupy some 82% of the energy sources.

Switzerland

Ranking second as per the EPI of 89, Switzerland has been an eco-friendly nation since 100 years. Adding alpine eco-friendly parks and withdrawing some things like no cars in certain cities are some of their successful efforts. Mostly, people walk or ride bicycles to reach to their destination. In fact, the nation charges 1 Euro for disposing waste anywhere within in its borders. This is somewhat strict. Even the tourists are encouraged to go eco-friendly. Fro instance, the famous Badrutt’s Hotel gives discounts if you come via a hybrid car. Further, this hotel has a novel heating system that alleviates the carbon emission by 80% annually.

Costa Rica

With EPI being 86.4, this nation plans to be carbon free by 2021. Currently, it makes use of abundant renewable resources and that few greenhouse gases exist. After witnessing much deforestation, many efforts have been made to alleviate this unkind act. In fact, some 5 million trees were planted in 2008. As it is an agricultural nation, it uses much of the forest land, which alleviates the need of too many pesticides for protection.

Sweden

Scoring 86 as its EPI, Sweden aims at removing the utilization of fossil fuels until 2020. Keeping this in mind, people have already begun to use renewable resources that now account for 28% of energy sources. Much focus is laid on using hydropower, wind power, and nuclear power for generating electricity. In fact, each part of their jungles is being utilized in every possible manner.

Norway

This nations aims to be like Costa Rica by 2030 meaning no greenhouse gases will be released in air. Norway has big plans for saving much money in order to implement more green-friendly techniques. For instance, much emphasis is laid on using railroads and on looking for an alternative against fuel. Additionally, diesel fuel users will be charged higher. From 2009, all the businesses would change their oil-powered heating mechanisms. Deforestation is one more issue that it has started to address.

Mauritius

This small island off the African mainland has the power of making a big positive impact on the environment. The country has started laying emphasis on reusing and recycling items. Nest, it is also looking to go for renewable energy sources. In fact, the island can utilize water in a better way for air conditioning. Currently, the focus is on the wind power and making fuel from the sugar cane plants.

France

With 78.2 as the EPI, France has taken many steps to conserve energy and environment. A few steps include renovating all edifices to preserve energy, alleviating greenhouse releases by 20%, hiking the rate of renewable energy use to 25%, encouraging organic farming, and forming a firm that will review and test genetically altered produce. Further, the nation plans to be a hub of nature reserves in future. Currently, it obtains 80% electricity via nuclear power. The area of Alès is among the greenest spots in France, wherein an edifice uses solar panels for energy.

Austria

Having 78.1 as the EPI, the nation became more famous via its Passive House for housing the 2010 Olympic Committee. Without including the heating or cooling systems, the house can heat or cool itself when required because of a system featuring air-circulation, high efficiency windows, and thermal heat needing only 10% energy. Currently, there are 17,000 homes across Europe. Currently, Austria and Czech Republic have entered into a deal to build eco-friendly gardens on the borders, which will have herbs, flowers, and fruit trees.

Cuba

Having the same EPI as Austria, the people here travel on foot or by bicycle. Further, efforts are being made to reuse the cultivated land, alleviate the harmful pesticides use, and lower the level of sea to avoid damaging the rich soil via salt. Further, it is mandatory to use only organic items on farms and that hydroelectric power would become a maximum source of energy.

Colombia

With this country, we can conclude that the European nations rule this EPI list. More and more plantations, many national parks including native medicinal sanctuaries such as the Orito Igni-Ande Sanctuary, and bamboo houses instead of steel are some steps towards green land.

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