How is the UK performing when it comes to environmental policy, and which countries are the worst?
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We have looked at the best – Sweden and Scandinavia – and here we focus on our own actions and highlight those at the bottom end of the green league table.
The UK ranks highly on the Environmental Performance Index (EPI), which is measured on 40 performance indicators relating to what countries are doing to address climate challenges.
However, it is a lowly 34th when it comes to CO2 emissions.
Ups: The UK has significantly expanded protected areas, especially in marine environments, exceeding some targets.
There has been an impressive increase in recycling rates from 47 per cent in 2008/09 to 63pc.
Downs: Air pollution remains a significant concern.
Big efforts are needed to achieve the net-zero greenhouse gas emissions target by 2050.
Improvements have been made regarding water pollution, but incidents in the water and sewerage sector remain high, with some companies consistently under-performing.
Interesting Facts: Despite the expansion of protected areas, the UK is one of the most nature-depleted countries, with ongoing biodiversity loss and missed biodiversity targets.
But what about the worst?
As the world’s most populous nation and a major industrial power, China, which has the highest carbon dioxide emissions, is a significant emitter of greenhouse gases and other pollutants. On the plus side, it is also a global leader in forest restoration and has set ambitious targets for renewable energy.
The US is a major contributor to global emissions and has higher CO2 emissions per person than China. Other challenges include deforestation, water and air pollution, and habitat loss.
There is not much positive to report from India, where problems include high levels of air pollution, which pose a significant threat to public health. Water pollution and poor waste management practices contribute to environmental degradation and public health risks.
Often cited for its biodiversity loss and inadequate climate change commitments, Australia is also a major exporter of fossil fuels. It has lost more species to extinction than any other continent, with habitat destruction from land clearing a major factor. The dry and warm environment makes it vulnerable to climate change impacts, including wildfires and fragile ecosystems.
With significant deforestation and agricultural activity, Brazil is a major contributor to biodiversity loss and greenhouse gas emissions. The Amazon is the world’s largest rainforest and is a huge carbon sink, but extensive logging and illegal gold mining are destroying vast areas. There are major threats to biodiversity and water resources, with criticism aimed at the country’s weak environmental legislation.
