As the world grapples with the challenges posed by climate change, assessing national and global efforts towards achieving sustainability goals is crucial. The Environmental Performance Index (EPI), developed by the Center for International Earth Science Information Network (CIESIN) and the Yale Center for Environmental Law and Policy, serves as a comprehensive sustainability scorecard. The 2024 EPI highlights areas for improvement, emphasizing the need for continued action.
The EPI ranks 180 countries based on climate change mitigation, ecosystem vitality, and environmental health using 58 different indicators across 11 categories. The scores reflect nations’ adherence to U.N. Sustainable Development Goals, the 2015 Paris Climate Change Agreement, and the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework. It also evaluates progress in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and protecting essential habitats.
While wealthier countries tend to have higher EPI scores, the report warns against overconsumption and the resulting environmental impact. Developing nations are advised to learn from past mistakes and invest in sustainability early in their industrialization process. The EPI serves as a stark reminder of the need for collaboration and action on a global scale to secure a sustainable future for all.
