Going green is more important now than it has ever been. Living in a sustainable country gives citizens a better quality of life, protects the environment, and implies less problems with global warming in the future.
To avoid and or prevent climate change, it is critical that all countries take steps to become more environmentally friendly. This article will teach you about which countries are known for their long-term environmental commitment, the significance of sustainability and the expenses of green living.
According to the Environmental Protection Agency, “Everything that we need for our survival and well-being depends, either directly or indirectly, on our natural environment. To pursue sustainability is to create and maintain the conditions under which humans and nature can exist in productive harmony to support present and future generations” (Learn About Sustainability | EPA).
Pillars of Sustainability (University of Alberta | Sustainability Department).
Three Main Pillars of Sustainability:
Environmental Sustainability – All of the earth’s environmental systems are kept in balance by humans consuming natural resources at a rate that allows them to replenish themselves.
Economic Sustainability – Human communities all over the world are able to keep their independence and have access to the resources they require to meet their needs, both financial and non-financial. Economic systems remain intact, and activities such as secure sources of livelihood are available to everyone.
Social Sustainability – Universal human rights and basic necessities are within everyone’s reach if they have adequate resources to maintain their families and communities safe and healthy. Just leaders guarantee that personal, labor, and cultural rights are maintained, and that all individuals are safeguarded from discrimination in healthy communities (What is sustainability? | McGill University).
The Expenses of Green Living:
The 2020 EPI Framework | Comparing GDP Per Capitol to EPI Score (Therese Wood).
The Cost of Being Green Infrastructure costs are one of the reasons why wealthy countries perform better in terms of sustainability. Everything from air pollution reduction and water treatment to hazardous waste management and public health crisis mitigation is particularly costly, but has a significant potential impact on citizens.
Countries That Are the Most Sustainable:
Sweden – Sweden has the highest renewable energy usage, the lowest carbon emissions, and some of the top education systems in the world. By 2045, the country’s emissions will have decreased by 85 percent to 100 percent. Renewable energy sources account for more than half of total energy use. Electric buses, smart roads, and urban farming have all helped Sweden reduce its emissions. Food banks, recycling systems, and housing for vulnerable people have all been used to achieve sustainability.
Switzerland – Switzerland has one of the world’s most sustainable waste management programs, converting an average of 100,000 tons of garbage into electricity for the community each year. The country is also dedicated to water conservation; wastewater treatment plant cleans 90 million liters of water every day. Switzerland plans to use 100 percent renewable energy by 2050, restore 50 percent of its oceans, and become carbon neutral.
Norway – The country’s parliament has committed to becoming carbon neutral by 2030, 20 years ahead of most other countries’ goals. Norway’s recycling system, which includes composting, is one of the most efficient in the world. Norway is mostly powered by hydroelectricity, which works particularly well due to the rainy environment. Norway is investing money in ocean cleanup research as ocean pollution continues to rise.
Japan – Vehicles are one of the causes of pollution and climate change, thus hybrid and electric cars can help minimize this. Japan plans to have 50% of new cars produce zero emissions within the next ten years. By 2050, the country’s most populous cities hope to be carbon-free. With roughly ten different categories of recyclables, the recycling system is one of the best in the world.
Finland – Finland is constantly improving its sustainability; in the next ten years, the country plans to reduce its fossil fuel consumption by half. In addition, the usage of coal in generators has been prohibited. Finland’s previously contaminated areas, such as rivers and lakes, have been recovered. Finland’s woodland regions cover over 70% of the country, the majority of which is protected to avoid deforestation and wildlife disruption.
Denmark – Denmark is the world leader in wind power, with wind turbines providing about half of the country’s electricity. Copenhagen, Denmark’s capital, is the world’s largest green metropolis, with plans to be carbon neutral by 2025. Denmark gets around half of its energy from renewable sources, while emissions from cars and vehicles have decreased as a result of the widespread use and popularity of bicycles.
Luxembourg – Luxembourg is economically and environmentally interdependent with its neighbors and Europe as a whole, with exports and imports accounting for 95 percent of GDP, 94 percent of electricity imported, a large amount of industrial waste exported, transboundary air and water pollution, and a large number of foreign vehicles.
Germany – Germany is one of the more sustainable countries in an industrial aspect. Companies in Germany are committed to their social responsibility, and reducing their carbon emissions. The country plans to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions by 55% in 2030. As well as this the country is introducing more renewable energy, and has a strong recycling program.
Netherlands – In terms of air quality, the country was placed 18th, and in terms of water sanitation, it was ranked 9th. The country boasts a high number of renewable energy sources, as well as a number of inventions aimed at improving sustainability, such as cycling schemes to reduce automobile use and solar panel bus stops.
Austria – Austria’s environmental policies have been quite successful in achieving a number of difficult environmental goals (e.g., strict air quality standards; quality of receiving waters; sewerage connection rate of 85 percent of households; Danube salmon reintroduction to designated river reaches; high rates of material recycling.
New Zealand – New Zealand’s parliament has enacted legislation committing the country to achieving net zero emissions by 2050. The country features one of the world’s most environmentally friendly farming systems. New Zealand’s people is also committed to sustainable living, with the vast majority of consumers purchasing exclusively sustainable goods. New Zealand’s public transportation system has been improved in order to limit the number of people who drive.
