What Are Countries Around The World Doing For Climate Change?

No other issue other than climatic change is a truly global concern. Global temperatures are projected to rise between 2.5-10 degrees Fahrenheit over the next century, according to the Intergovernmental Console on Climate Change, a group of over 1,300 scientists from the U.S. and around the world. The impacts of climate change are already being felt and will likely only intensify over time.

The scope of the impact of climatic change is difficult to enlarge. Everything from wildlife, ecosystems, agriculture, and human health will all be affected on a global scale. Already the result is felt worldwide. A global problem requires a global solution, and when it comes to protecting the surround for future generations, some countries are doing more than others.

24/seven Wall St. created an index to measure out environmental performance past land using information from Yale University's 2018 Environmental Functioning Index and the World Bank's "What a Waste Database." The measures that comprise this index range in scope and include air quality, water quality, biodiversity, wastewater treatment, carbon emissions, and proactive environmental policies.

It is important to note that the high ranking countries on this list are not necessarily exemplary at resource management and per capita waste. Several of the countries that rank high in certain measures of ecology stewardship are some of the same countries that produce the most waste.

Poorest countries:These are the 25 poorest countries in the earth

Richest countries:These are the 25 richest countries in the world

Addressing ecology issues costs coin, and many poorer nations lack the resources necessary to tackle even the virtually pressing environmental issues. In fact, many of the countries doing the least to protect the environment also rank among the 25 poorest countries in the world. Conversely, many of the countries doing the nearly rank amongst the earth's richest countries.

Countries doing the most to protect the environment

15. Peru

• Population exposed to unsafe air pollution levels: 100%

• Area with gov. protection: 13.1%

• Gross domestic product per capita: $12,237

Want to pollute in Republic of peru? They'll see you in court! Just over a twelvemonth ago, the S American nation established its first specialized environmental courtroom, aiming to add some muscle to its environmental laws equally the country deals with illegal mining, deforestation, environmental degradation, and illicit trade in wild fauna, mining equipment, and hazardous waste. In less than a twelvemonth, the court had nearly 3,000 environmental complaints on the docket.

14. Tunisia

• Population exposed to dangerous air pollution levels: 100%

• Surface area with gov. protection: five.two%

• Gross domestic product per capita: $10,849

Sustainable ecology policies are part of the economical and social strategies of this North African nation, which is aiming for a residuum between development and protecting natural resources. To crevice down on illegal dumping, Tunisia introduced a "green constabulary" forcefulness in 2017, with fines levied for littering or burning waste material and possible imprisonment for offenses impacting public health. Other responsibilities of the dark-green police include raising awareness of ecology and waste material management issues amid the general public.

13. Singapore

• Population exposed to unsafe air pollution levels: 100%

• Area with gov. protection: two.v%

• Gdp per capita: $85,535

Betwixt 2006 and 2016, Singapore's emissions from fossil fuel consumption dropped by a healthy nineteen.one%, though sadly carbon emissions from fossil fuels and cement production soared 225.3% from 2007 to 2017. The Southeast Asian nation declared 2018 the Year of Climate Activity, alerting the public to the dangers of climate change, increased regulations on discarding food, plastics, and e-waste; and turning a greater focus on sustainability. Information technology looks every bit though young people are poised to take a leading office in light-green initiatives every bit 60% of students in Singapore took part in the SEC-StarHub School Green Awards, which encourages young people to turn their passion for the environment into action.

12. Romania

• Population exposed to unsafe air pollution levels: 98%

• Expanse with gov. protection: 24.3%

• Gdp per capita: $23,505

Romania is working with the World Banking company to reach its goals in fighting climate change and striving for low-carbon evolution. Among the collaboration'south objectives are developing an ecology strategy and action programme, identifying carbon-trading opportunities, and edifice a knowledge base for impact assessment and conclusion making. More 24% of Romania's terrestrial and marine areas are protected, and between 2006 and 2016, carbon emissions from fossil fuel consumption dropped by more than 33%. The level of carbon emissions from fossil fuels and cement product is likewise downwardly past 26.3%. Manufacture-related air and water pollution in Romania is linked to acid rain, high greenhouse-gas levels, and industrial runoff into the river system.

11. Belarus

• Population exposed to unsafe air pollution levels: 99.9%

• Area with gov. protection: 9.iv%

• Gdp per capita: $17,175

Belarus is one of several countries that benefited from the United Nations Development Programme, which aimed to promote economical growth through environmentally sustainable ways. The project, which stretched from 2014 to 2017, resulted in nearly two-dozen pilot projects, including a motor oil collection and processing system in the Barysau and Krupki Districts and the country's first wood educational center in Horni Park, Lida District. The projection besides created fifty new dark-green jobs.

Additionally, the presence of unsafe fine particulate matter declined past 40.8% in the country from 1990 to 2016.

10. Hungary

• Population exposed to dangerous air pollution levels: 100%

• Area with gov. protection: 22.half-dozen%

• Gdp per capita: $26,861

Republic of hungary has fabricated considerable progress in ecology protection in recent years. The landlocked fundamental European country has managed to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions by 35% since 1990. Additionally, the country is on rails to more than meet or exceed its goal of 14.vii% renewable energy past 2020. Hungary is also exemplary in its protection of its land. Slightly more than 22% of the land's territory is protected by the authorities, a larger than typical share.

Still, equally is the case with every land on this list, more progress needs to be made. Fossil fuels still account for over 70% of Republic of hungary'south energy, and the land has ane of the worst bloodshed rates due to air pollution amidst OECD countries.

9. Trinidad and Tobago

• Population exposed to unsafe air pollution levels: 100%

• Area with gov. protection: 2.0%

• GDP per capita: $28,763

A regional leader in environmental protection, Trinidad and Tobago is the only Caribbean nation to rank on this list. Economic growth has historically been driven by environmentally harmful ways, such as mining and deforestation. Now the country is shifting toward more environmentally sustainable growth practices, which the island nation's authorities acknowledges is essential for both businesses and communities in the country.

The government is leading by example, pledging to conserve resources and free energy, adhere to sustainable waste management practices, reduce pollution, and reduce output of harmful greenhouse gases. The presence of dangerous fine particulate air pollution declined by xiii.3% in the country from 1990 to 2016.

8. Bulgaria

• Population exposed to unsafe air pollution levels: 99.9%

• Area with gov. protection: 28.3%

• Gross domestic product per capita: $eighteen,606

Since joining the European Union in 2007, Republic of bulgaria has made significant strides toward developing an environmentally sustainable economic system, in accord with Eu directives, including working towards the goal of 16% renewable energy by 2020. Results are already evident. The presence of unsafe PM2.5 air pollution declined by 43.3% in the country from 1990 to 2016.

The Bulgarian regime also protects much of its land. Over 28% of the country's lands are reserves with limited public access like national parks, wild fauna sanctuaries, protected landscapes, and areas managed for sustainable use.

seven. Us

• Population exposed to unsafe air pollution levels: iii.three%

• Area with gov. protection: 26.3%

• GDP per capita: $54,471

Despite the internationally criticized 2017 decision to withdraw from the Paris Agreement – a multinational accordance to collectively combat global warming – the U.S. ranks among the 10 countries doing the most to protect the environment. Over a quarter of U.S. territory is protected reserves with limited public access like national parks, wild animals sanctuaries, and areas managed for sustainable utilize, a larger share than most countries. Additionally, just three.3% of the U.S. population are exposed to dangerous levels of air pollution.

Nether the Trump Administration'southward 2020 budget proposal, funding for the Environmental Protection Agency will exist slashed past 31%. Should these cuts take effect, the U.South. may not remain ane of the global leaders in environmental protection for long.

6. Canada

• Population exposed to dangerous air pollution levels: 0%

• Area with gov. protection: 6.five%

• GDP per capita: $44,018

Though but half dozen.5% of the terrestrial and marine areas are protected in Canada, that's all the same a lot of area when you lot accept into consideration information technology is the second largest state on the globe in landmass. The country comprises burgeoning urban areas, the delicate Arctic Circle, and a diverseness of terrains in between. Ecology achievements include supporting climate-friendly technology leading to free energy efficiency, renewable free energy, and sustainable urban transportation; reducing greenhouse gas emissions; and providing biodiversity planning and protection for state and sea. Challenges include rapid warming in the formerly frozen-solid n, the impact of air pollution on wildlife, vegetation, water and soil, and acid rain.

v. Commonwealth of australia

• Population exposed to unsafe air pollution levels: 24.9%

• Area with gov. protection: 29.7%

• Gdp per capita: $44,643

Correct behind its neighbour New Zealand, Australia has the second highest percentage of protected terrestrial and marine areas of countries on this list. There was, however, an 8.4% increase in consumption emissions between 2006 and 2016 and a 3.2% hike in carbon emissions from fossil fuel and cement production. Before this year, a report by the OECD condemned Commonwealth of australia'south record on emissions and declared the country not on the right path to run into its 2030 goals under the Paris agreement. Only the country has too been cited for its environmental achievements, including its plastic bag ban, its strategy to halve food waste, and the construction of the globe's largest lithium battery to more than effectively store wind free energy.

4. New Zealand

• Population exposed to unsafe air pollution levels: 0%

• Surface area with gov. protection: xxx.five%

• Gross domestic product per capita: $36,013

Watching "The Lord of the Rings" and "The Hobbit" movies may be as close as many of the states will get to enjoying New Zealand's pristine air, just apparently those sparkling, clean skies are existent and not CGI, as evidenced by the 0% of the population exposed to dangerous fine particle air pollution levels. Almost one-third of the terrestrial and marine expanse is protected, the highest share among the top 15 countries doing the most to protect the environs. New Zealand met targets for reducing greenhouse emissions set under the first Kyoto Protocol, and information technology has gear up boosted reduction goals for 2020, 2030, and 2050. Yet, even if you're doing a great job, there'south e'er room for improvement. The WWF notes that deforestation, soil erosion, and destruction of wildlife habitats continue to be problems.

3. Norway

• Population exposed to dangerous air pollution levels: 2%

• Area with gov. protection: 5.1%

• GDP per capita: $64,965

Thank you to an abundance of hydro ability, Norway's power system is practically 100% renewable. Nevertheless, the northern nation has somewhat higher per capita greenhouse emissions than other countries in Europe and Asia. Norway, which signed the Kyoto Protocol, hopes to reduce that number in the coming yr. Carbon neutrality by 2050 is another goal. With that said, simply 5.ane% of the terrestrial and marine areas in Norway are protected, among the lowest percentages of the 15 countries doing the about to protect the environment.

2. Republic of finland

• Population exposed to dangerous air pollution levels: 0%

• Expanse with gov. protection: 14.2%

• GDP per capita: $41,018

Finland is known as one of the about environmentally friendly countries on Earth thanks largely to its almost unbelievable achievement of having 0% of its population exposed to dangerous levels of fine particle air pollution, according to the WHO. 1 of the globe's wealthiest industrialized countries, Finland conspicuously has the wherewithal to support vigorous green policies, aiming to anticipate risks and prevent damage before any harm is done. Ongoing environmental goals include reducing per capita greenhouse emissions, significantly increasing the utilize of renewable energy, and protecting woods and farmland habitats.

1. Denmark

• Population exposed to dangerous air pollution levels: 56.9%

• Area with gov. protection: 17.9%

• GDP per capita: $47,270

Denmark already ranked high when we reported on this topic in 2017. The country has continued to make strides forward, in air quality in particular. On the previous report, 78.viii% of the population was exposed to unsafe levels of fine particle air pollution; now, the figure has dropped to 56.9%. Kingdom of denmark tops the list of countries doing the most to protect the environment, and continues to ready ambitious goals, among them having at to the lowest degree half its energy consumption come from renewables by 2030 and to be contained of fossil fuels by 2050.

Countries doing the least to protect the environment

15. Sao Tome and Principe

• Population exposed to dangerous air pollution levels: 100%

• Expanse with gov. protection: 0.2%

• GDP per capita: $3,053

At that place'south a clear link between a nation's wealth and its ability to protect the surroundings, and so it'due south no surprise that Sao Tome and Principe, with its tiny per capita Gross domestic product of just over $3,000, ranks amidst the worst in the world. Near 50% of the country is used for agronomics in this minor isle nation that is less than one,000 square kilometers, roughly five times larger than Washington D.C. Situated off the west declension of Africa, Sao Tome and Principe's environmental challenges include deforestation, soil erosion, and inadequate treatment of sewage in urban areas.

14. Botswana

• Population exposed to unsafe air pollution levels: 100%

• Area with gov. protection: 29.1%

• GDP per capita: $fifteen,474

Botswana shares a daunting statistic with the other xiv countries doing the least to protect their environment: 100% of its population is exposed to air pollution levels exceeding the World Health Organization's guidelines. Merely it ranks amid the highest in this group when it comes to the pct of the protected terrestrial and marine expanse. Despite that, the southern African nation is likely to detect itself embroiled in conservationist controversy for the foreseeable hereafter post-obit its May 22 decision to end its ban on elephant hunting.

13. Sudan

• Population exposed to unsafe air pollution levels: 100%

• Expanse with gov. protection: 2.8%

• Gross domestic product per capita: $4,467

Sudan is a nation in turmoil. Southward Sudan carve up off from Sudan in 2011, taking a big piece of oil acquirement with it. A civil state of war broke out in S Sudan in 2013, and Sudan has become a destination for refugees and asylum seekers. The northern African country's resource are stretched thin past this series of events, but it is supported past the United nations in preparing its first State of the Environs and Outlook Report, aiming to help the government make informed decisions and adopt an integrated approach to agreement the link between social and economical development.

12. Malawi

• Population exposed to unsafe air pollution levels: 100%

• Area with gov. protection: 22.nine%

• GDP per capita: $i,095

The simple and necessary act of cooking a meal is a source of ecology business concern in Malawi, ane of the world's poorest countries. Very few people in the country have admission to electricity, then most meals are prepared on wood fires. The demand for wood and charcoal contributes to deforestation, with an estimated 3% of Republic of malaŵi's forests lost each year. And the smoke from the woods fires takes its price on air quality, releasing hundreds of substances into the air, including particulates, soot, carcinogens, carbon monoxide, and hydrocarbons, leading to lung disease, with women and children peculiarly susceptible.

Amid Malawi's sustainable development goals are ensuring access to modern, sustainable, affordable and reliable energy for all and enact sustainable water management practices.

11. Republic of chad

• Population exposed to dangerous air pollution levels: 100%

• Area with gov. protection: 20.4%

• GDP per capita: $1,768

The good news is that in the years since 24/seven Wall St. last reported on the countries doing the least to protect the environment, Republic of chad has increased its terrestrial and marine-protected areas – from 17.8% of land to xx.iv% today.

The bad news is that only ix.5% of the population has admission to basic sanitation, and many deaths are related to unsafe h2o and sanitation and the lack of hygienic atmospheric condition. Republic of chad's environmental goals include reducing air pollution from vehicle emissions, dropping lead levels in fuel, and lowering emissions from biomass burning.

10. Guinea-bissau

• Population exposed to unsafe air pollution levels: 100%

• Area with gov. protection: xi.six%

• Gdp per capita: $i,549

Environmental protections are necessities that can feel like luxuries in desperately poor countries, where a large percent of the population lacks regular access to food, potable water, and bones sanitation. Add political instability to the equation and it's piece of cake to imagine sustainability and green policies sliding down the priority listing. Republic of guinea-bissau fits that description, with almost seventy% of the population living below the poverty line and as much as half of the population nutrient-insecure in some regions. The West African country has been in chronic political turmoil since it gained independence in 1974.

9. Uganda

• Population exposed to unsafe air pollution levels: 100%

• Surface area with gov. protection: sixteen.i%

• Gross domestic product per capita: $ane,698

Uganda is i of several African nations lagging backside most countries in the world in terms of environmental protection efforts. Between 1990 and 2016, a menses over which most countries reported improved air quality, the concentration of harmful fine air pollution known as PM2.5 increased by 21.3% in Uganda. Rapid population growth in the country is leading to mass deforestation, and oil exploration in the Albertine Rift Valley continues equally the country has an evident lack of alternative energy sources.

8. Rwanda

• Population exposed to dangerous air pollution levels: 100%

• Area with gov. protection: 9.ane%

• GDP per capita: $1,857

As in many other African nations on this list, many of Rwanda's environmental issues stem from rapid population growth straining natural resources. Major bug include deforestation, loss of biodiversity, reduced soil fertility, and poaching. Even though the country faces considerable threats from climate change, it'southward not well equipped to address the increased frequency and severity of floods and droughts within its borders.

Many of the Rwandan government's initiatives to combat environmental deterioration, like increasing forest encompass to 30% past 2020, are being stymied by rapid population growth.

vii. Iraq

• Population exposed to unsafe air pollution levels: 100%

• Area with gov. protection: 1.5%

• Gdp per capita: $15,393

Less than 2% of land in Iraq is protected by the authorities, amidst the to the lowest degree of any country in the world. Protected lands include reserves with limited public admission like national parks, wildlife sanctuaries, protected landscapes, and areas managed for sustainable use.

Environmental challenges in the land are also a product of several contempo wars, poor land apply planning, and the destructive homo touch on on unprotected fragile ecosystems. Currently, the country faces h2o quality and shortage issues, poor soil, and ecosystem deterioration. These problems are expected to only become worse as a upshot of global warming.

half-dozen. Sierra Leone

• Population exposed to unsafe air pollution levels: 100%

• Area with gov. protection: iii.3%

• GDP per capita: $1,391

The government of Sierra Leone has protected only 3.3% of the country'south territory from ecology harm, a far smaller share than most countries. Indeed, much of the country's environmental problems are a product of unrestricted mineral excavation – specifically diamonds – and resulting deforestation. Recently, a mudslide attributable to deforestation killed over 1,000 people in the state and displaced nearly 5,000 others.

Sierra Leone is among the earth's poorest countries, and many who live there rely on untreated, polluted water supplies. Additionally, anybody living in the country is exposed to unsafe levels of air pollution.

5. Djibouti

• Population exposed to dangerous air pollution levels: 100%

• Area with gov. protection: 1.2%

• GDP per capita: $ii,705

Djibouti is a barren country of nearly ninety% desert, and the country's government has fallen short on country-use planning and h2o treatment and management. Djibouti is besides specially susceptible to the effects of global warming and needs to build upward coastal protections, shore upward landfill walls, and install drainage systems for water, among other precautionary measures.

Deforestation is depleting the country'due south already limited wooded areas. Currently, only 1.2% of the country'southward territory is protected as national parks, wild animals reserves and sanctuaries, or areas managed for sustainable use. Additionally, the presence of harmful fine particle pollution has climbed by 54.3% betwixt 1990 and 2016 and anybody who lives in Djibouti is exposed to harmful levels of air pollution.

4. Eritrea

• Population exposed to unsafe air pollution levels: 100%

• Area with gov. protection: 3.0%

• GDP per capita: $1,510

Though Eritrea has signed the Paris Agreement on climate change and issued a proclamation in 2017 for environmental protection and restoration, it continues to be amidst the nations with the fewest ecology protections. Only nigh xi% of the population accept admission to basic sanitation services. Droughts, floods, and irregular rain patterns have led to soil erosion, desertification, and land degradation.

3. Lesotho

• Population exposed to dangerous air pollution levels: 100%

• Area with gov. protection: 0.3%

• Gross domestic product per capita: $2,665

Kingdom of lesotho, in southeastern Africa, has about no protected marine or terrestrial areas. Destruction of groundcovers and an abundance of surface water have led to soil exhaustion and erosion. The Lesotho Highlands Water Project uses dams and tunnels to channel some of the excess surface water to Southward Africa and generate hydroelectricity. A second stage of the project is expected to be completed in 2020.

ii. Haiti

• Population exposed to unsafe air pollution levels: 100%

• Area with gov. protection: 0.four%

• GDP per capita: $1,653

The Caribbean island nation of Haiti is the poorest state in the Western Hemisphere, with millions of people subsisting below the poverty line. It's also prone to natural disasters, including hurricanes and earthquakes. Deforestation, soil erosion, sedimentation in littoral waters, h2o pollution, and poor waste matter management are among the ecology challenges. A variety of government agencies and NGOs are assisting Haiti in developing more than sustainable agronomical and business practices.

1. Burundi

• Population exposed to dangerous air pollution levels: 100%

• Area with gov. protection: vii.6%

• GDP per capita: $668

Carbon emissions from fossil fuel and cement production rose in Burundi by a whopping 183.ii% betwixt 2007 and 2017. Deforestation, disappearance of wetlands, and water pollution are among the pressing environmental issues in the east-central Africa nation. With a tiny per capita Gdp of $668, Burundi is amid the poorest nations in the world, with virtually 75% of the population living below the poverty line, and in that location is lilliputian awareness of ecology protection practices. Burundi has signed the Paris Agreement to fight dorsum confronting climatic change, but the road to the state taking any environmental measures when it struggles with and so many issues is bound to exist challenging.

Methodology

To determine the most environmentally conscious countries, 24/seven Wall St. reviewed Yale Academy'southward 2018 Environmental Performance Index (EPI). The EPI scores 180 countries on environmental health and ecosystem vitality. These two areas consist of several subfactors:

Environmental Health: air quality, water quality, heavy metals, PM2.five extendance, sanitation, lead exposure, PM2.five exposure, drinking h2o, household solid fuels.

Ecosystem Vitality: biodiversity, forests, fisheries, climate & energy, air pollution, h2o resources, marine protected areas, tree cover loss, fish stock condition, CO2 emissions full, SO2 emissions, wastewater handling, biome protection-national, species protection alphabetize, representativeness index, species habitat index, regional marine trophic, CO2 emissions power, NO emissions, methane emissions, N2O Emissions, black carbon emissions.

A country's identify on our list was likewise affected by the presence of environmentally friendly policies and programs enacted (for case having laws in place that enforce solid waste regulations and having readily bachelor waste management data for the public). This comes from the World Bank's "What a Waste Database," which was last updated in September 2018.

We also reviewed supplementary measures related to EPI themes — such as health impacts, air quality, h2o and sanitation, water resources, agriculture, forests, fisheries, biodiversity and habitat, and climate and energy — from the World Banking concern for 2017 or the most recent period available. Information on Gdp per capita likewise came from the World Bank and is in electric current international PPP dollars for 2017.

24/7 Wall Street is a USA TODAY content partner offering financial news and commentary. Its content is produced independently of Usa TODAY.

Source: https://www.usatoday.com/story/money/2019/07/14/climate-change-countries-doing-most-least-to-protect-environment/39534413/

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