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Canada Ranks Low on Global Environmental Index
14 Aug
Summary
- Canada ranks second last among 'Global West' nations in environmental performance.
- The nation's climate change policy score is 45th globally, with poor per capita emissions.
- Estonia leads the index by drastically cutting greenhouse gas emissions from shale oil.
Canada's environmental performance has been ranked unfavorably, placing it second-to-last among 'Global West' countries and 29th globally. The Yale Environmental Performance Index (EPI), which assesses 47 indicators including emissions and habitat protection, revealed Canada's specific struggles.
Canada scored particularly low in climate change policy, ranking 45th overall and 133rd in greenhouse gas emissions trends per capita. Despite these low scores, some indicators for marine and terrestrial habitat protection have seen minor improvements, indicating that progress is achievable.
Estonia achieved the top position on the EPI largely by reducing its reliance on shale oil power generation, which led to a substantial decrease in greenhouse gas emissions. This move towards renewable energy sources by 2030 and carbon neutrality by 2050 serves as a model for other nations.
Other countries like Denmark and Norway also performed well, benefiting from strong environmental frameworks and regulatory standards, such as the European Green Deal. These initiatives mandate emissions reductions and promote carbon neutrality by mid-century.
Despite a general trend of improvement among many countries on the EPI, Canada's environmental standing is a cause for concern. Recent reports and policy shifts suggest a potential for further decline in its rankings in the coming years.
