The Environment Performance Index (EPI) is a biennial index that quantifies and numerically ranks the environmental performance of a country.
First published in 2002, the EPI is a collaboration between Yale University and the World Economic Forum. India ranked 168th position in 2020 EPI Index from its previous position of 177 in 2018.
This article will further discuss the EPI within the context of the IAS Exam.
Overview of the Environment Performance Index
The EPI uses more outcome-oriented indicators compared to its predecessor the Environment Sustainability Index (ESI). Some of the Indicators used by the EPI is as follows:
- Environmental Risk Exposure
- Air quality
- Average Exposure to PM2.5
- Air pollution
- Water and sanitation Unsafe Sanitation
- Drinking Water Quality
- Ecosystem vitality
- Water resources
- Wastewater treatment
- Investment,
- Green innovation
- National leadership around climate change.
It offers a scorecard that highlights leaders and laggards in environmental performance and provides practical guidance for countries that aspire to move toward a sustainable future.
For more UPSC Notes on Environment and Ecology, visit the linked article.
India’s Ranking in Environment Performance Index (2018, 2020)
As mentioned before, India scored 168 out of 180 countries in 2020. Although it was an improvement from 177 in 2018, it lagged behind other South Asian Nations with the exception of Afghanistan. The table below will better elaborate India’s performance in the EPI among Asian countries
Environment Performance Index 2020
| Country | Ranking in Asia | Global Ranking |
| Bhutan | 1 | 107 |
| Sri Lanka | 2 | 109 |
| Maldives | 3 | 127 |
| Pakistan | 4 | 142 |
| Nepal | 5 | 145 |
| Bangladesh | 6 | 162 |
| India | 7 | 169 |
| Afghanistan | 8 | 178 |
The country needs to focus on a wide spectrum of sustainability issues, with a high-priority to critical issues such as air and water quality, biodiversity and climate change.
The top countries ranking high in the EPI are as follow:
CountryRanking
| Denmark | 1 |
| Luxembourg | 2 |
| Switzerland | 3 |
| United Kingdom | 4 |
| France | 5 |
| Austria | 6 |
| Finland | 7 |
| Sweden | 8 |
| Norway | 9 |
| Germany | 10 |
The rankings of 2018 Environment Performance Index of SAARC nations is given below
Environment Performance Index 2018
| Country | Regional Standing (Asia) | Global Ranking |
| Bhutan | 15 | 131 |
| Sri Lanka | 6 | 70 |
| Maldives | 10 | 111 |
| Pakistan | 23 | 169 |
| Nepal | 24 | 176 |
| Bangladesh | 26 | 179 |
| India | 25 | 177 |
| Afghanistan | 22 | 168 |
The top countries ranked high in the EPI 2018 are as follow:
Country: Ranking
| Switzerland | 1 |
| France | 2 |
| Denmark | 3 |
| Malta | 4 |
| Sweden | 5 |
| United Kingdom | 6 |
| Luxembourg | 7 |
| Austria | 8 |
| Ireland | 9 |
| Finland | 10 |
Find the list of International Organization Reports through the linked article.
Conclusion
A Ten-year progression report shows that India had slipped behind on many climate-related parameters. It indicated that black carbon, carbon dioxide emission had seen a great increase in the last 10 years.
In order to mitigate the worst effects of climate change, India needs to double its efforts regarding national sustainability goals
It needs to focus on a wide spectrum of sustainability issues, with a high-priority to critical issues such as air and water quality, biodiversity and climate change.
Environment Performance Index- Download PDF Here
Frequently Asked Questions about Environment Performance Index (EPI)
What is the Environment Performance Index?
What is the criticism regarding EPI?
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