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Daily News Analysis

Environmental Performance Index

7th June, 2024 Environment

Environmental Performance Index

Source: yale.edu

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Context

  • The 2024 Environmental Performance Index ranks Estonia first, showcasing global challenges in emissions reduction and biodiversity protection, with India ranking 176th, underscoring the need for enhanced sustainability efforts.

Details

Key Points

  • India’s Rank:
    • India is ranked 176th, highlighting the country's need to improve its efforts in emissions reduction and environmental sustainability.
  • Top performers:
    • Estonia ranks first in the 2024 Environmental Performance Index, significantly reducing GHG emissions by 40% over the last decade through renewable energy initiatives.
  • Global Challenges:
    • The index reveals that many countries struggle with reducing emissions in hard-to-decarbonize industries and managing “paper parks” where protected areas fail to prevent ecosystem loss.
  • Significant Progress:
    • Only five countries — Estonia, Finland, Greece, Timor-Leste, and the UK — have cut GHG emissions at the rate needed to achieve net zero by 2050.
  • International Cooperation:
    • Developing countries like Vietnam, Pakistan, Laos, Myanmar, and Bangladesh rank lowest, indicating a pressing need for global cooperation to support sustainable development.

Sources:

Down to Earth

PRACTICE QUESTION

Q. Consider the following statements about the 2024 Environmental Performance Index:

1. Estonia is ranked first in the 2024 Environmental Performance Index.

2. India is ranked 176th, indicating a need for improved environmental sustainability efforts.

3.Only five countries, including the USA and China, have cut GHG emissions at the rate needed to reach net zero by 2050.

Which of the above statements is/are correct?

a)1 and 2 only

b)2 and 3 only

c) 1 and 3 only

d)1, 2, and 3

Answer: a)