CLIMATE change may be on everybody’s lips, especially after the recent flooding in KZN, but perhaps countries can learn from each other with regards to living sustainably on this planet.
As we commemorate Earth Day on 22 April, here is a list of the five greenest countries in the world.
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Perhaps less environmentally-friendly nations can take a green leaf out of these countries’ books.
Denmark
This country has long been hailed as the ‘beacon of hope’ when it comes to sustainability, and in 2012 its capital city Copenhagen vowed to become the first carbon neutral city by 2025.
By 2050, Denmark plans on being completely free of fossil fuels.
Cycling, rather than vehicles, is a way of life in Copenhagen and has been for many years. The city has dubbed 2022 as ‘The Year of the Bicycle’ to commemorate and reinforce this green and healthy way of life.
This follows a major infrastructure initiative valued at $458-million.
Photo: SirPecanGum/Flickr
Japan
The predominant religion in Japan, Shinto, is also a belief system and is largely centred around a mutual respect for the environment.
Japan’s former prime minister Yoshihide Suga pledged to create a green society with the goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions to net-zero by 2050.
The World Economic Forum hailed Japan as a world leader when it comes to public transportation and recycling schemes.
The country is pushing towards clean energy vehicles as it continues towards its target of 100% electric car sales by 2035.
Photo: Ingrid Leeman/Flickr
Costa Rica
While Costa Rica is known for its white sandy beaches and beautiful climate, few realise it is one of the most eco-friendly destinations on planet earth.
This Central American country spanning 51 000 km2 boasts 30 national parks, 58 wildlife refuges, 32 protected zones, wetlands, forest and biological reserves.
The area of Pura Vida was awarded the UN Earthshot Prize in 2021 for its conservation and sustainability efforts.
Costa Ricans enjoy some of the cleanest air on earth, according to the 2021 World Air Quality Report.
Photo: keith_rock/Flickr
Iceland
Given Iceland’s ‘green’ reputation, it’s little wonder this country features in the top five environmentally-friendly countries in the world.
Set on two active tectonic plates, Iceland harvests this geothermal energy to heat 90% of the country’s households.
Iceland is considered one of the most sustainable countries in Europe and also has plans on being fossil fuel-free by 2050.
The country aims to reach carbon neutrality by 2040.
Photo: Thomas Landgren/Flickr
Chile
Well known for its red malbec wine, this South American country boasts more than 10 million acres of protected land across Chilean Patagonia.
The country is emerging as a global leader when it comes to conservation and green initiatives, and boasts 41 national parks.
Chile’s protected areas account for more than 20% of the country’s landmass and is setting a new gold standard for how national parks should operate.
The country is revolutionising eco-tourism through its wildlife conservation and repopulation efforts alone.
Photo: Dumphasizer/Flickr
Other green countries include New Zealand, Switzerland, Sweden and Finland.
While developing nations have other pressing issues on which to focus, including unemployment, poverty and hunger, with the right focus, small strides can always be made to better the country’s ‘green’ standing in the world and reduce its carbon footprint.
Source: www.thrillist.com
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