List of Most (and Least) Sustainability-Focused Countries in the World
Denmark
Yale University has recently released its Environmental Performance Index (EPI).
The Index is released every two years, in even-numbered years, and this is their latest report.
Using what the university calls "quantitative bases for comparing and analyzing environmental data," 180 countries were involved in their research.
The list includes those countries ranked as making considerable progress in adopting sustainability standards and those making the least progress – even those going backward.
At the top of the list – the countries that are most sustainability-focused – are the following:
1. Denmark
2. United Kingdom
3. Finland
4. Malta (in the middle of the Mediterranean Sea)
5. Sweden
6. Luxembourg
7. Slovenia
8. Austria
9. Switzerland
10. Iceland
"Unfortunately, when it comes to sustainability, the United States places 20th out of the 22 most wealthy democracies worldwide," says Steve Ashkin, the professional cleaning industry's leading advocate for sustainability. "Worse yet we are 43rd on the list overall."
Ashkin said much of this happened when our country withdrew from the Paris Climate Agreement. "We lost precious time to help mitigate climate change, but fortunately, we are getting back on track."
While the U.S. experienced a setback, the EPI listed countries going in the "wrong direction with rapidly rising greenhouse gas emission." These are:
1. China
2. India
3. Russia
It also states that these three countries and the U.S. will account for over 50 percent of global greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.
"While the EPI highlights the different rankings, what is missing are actionable steps we can take to improve sustainability," says Ashkin.
"Fortunately, more countries and organizations are adopting sustainability practices independently. This gives me great hope for the future."
Source: Wolf, M. J., Emerson, J. W., Esty, D. C., de Sherbinin, A., Wendling, Z. A., et al. (2022). 2022 Environmental Performance Index. New Haven, CT: Yale Center for Environmental Law & Policy. epi.yale.edu
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About The Ashkin Group and Stephen Ashkin
Stephen P. Ashkin, the founder of The Ashkin Group, is known as the Father of Green Cleaning and the professional cleaning industry’s leading advocate for sustainability.
Just recently, ISSA recognized him as one of the most important contributors to the professional cleaning industry in ISSA’s 100-year history.
The Ashkin Group, LLC, is an internationally recognized consulting firm working to Green the professional cleaning industry. Their expertise is utilized by governments, policymakers, advocates, building owners, property management companies, labor unions, trade and professional associations, manufacturers, service providers, and janitorial product distributors worldwide.
Contact Information
Stephen Ashkin
Email: Steve@AshkinGroup.com
