ScienceToday

1. Switzerland

Switzerland positions as the world’s most eco-friendly nation with an EPI of 87.42 for various reasons, beginning with its expansive environmental policy. Its green economy energizes the responsible utilization of resources, promotes renewable energy sources, and underlines the importance of recycling. This has brought Switzerland considerably closer to accomplishing OneEarth’s objectives of having “100 percent renewable energy, protection and restoration of 50 percent of the world’s lands and oceans, and a transition to regenerative, carbon-negative agriculture” within the following 30 years. So as to accomplish a carbon-negative environment, the Swiss are effectively working to combat greenhouse gases.

One strategy they’re utilizing? Implementing a carbon tax. The carbon charge works by marginally expanding the cost of things that contribute to emissions, similar to gasoline and heating, in order to urge organizations and individuals to seek eco-friendly options.

The Swiss government is likewise effectively constraining urban development, which might deliver more contamination. Switzerland’s Spatial Planning Act saves the nation’s natural space, something that is particularly essential to secure its crystal-clear lakes and waterways, as well as contribute to its high water quality.

2. France

You might think of indulgence, not discipline when you think of France, but the latter is exactly what won this country a second-place finish and an EPI of 83.95. In 2015, France adopted the Green Growth Energy Transformation Act (LTECV), a comprehensive program to reduce its energy dependence. France is expected to increase the share of nuclear energy by 25 percent by 2025.

France is expected to reduce the share of nuclear energy by 25 percent by 2025. By 2030, the goal is to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 40%, boost renewable energy sources to 32%, and reduce fossil fuel usage by 30%. France aims for an ambitious 50 percent reduction in final energy usage by 2050.

In 2018, France also launched the Multiannual Energy Plan (PPE), focused on energy efficiency. So, what does that mean for the average French citizen?

The government encourages and develops more environmentally friendly transportation, such as electric and driverless cars, as well as giving people “conversion bonuses” to ditch their fossil-fueled cars, boilers, and other items. Although broad government initiatives are important, individuals, too, can make a difference.