The most eco-friendly countries in the world

Iceland

An outstanding figure of 99% of Iceland’s energy is generated by renewable energy. How magnificent is that? The renewable energy they use is geothermal energy and hydropower. When it comes to energy usage and energy sources, Iceland is sustainable with its approach.

From Reykjavik Convention Bureau:

“Reykjavik is a global centre for renewable energy research, like universities, government departments, public and private companies all contribute. renewable energy.”

Credit: Adam Jang

Switzerland

The Swiss nation has proven to have made a substantial effort with recycling and waste management. Switzerland is focused on preserving water and avoiding water wastage. Using innovative water treatments, the country recycles more water and there are plans for removing ‘micropollutants’ in water by 2022, which is very soon. There is such interesting information available about Switzerland’s well-documented efforts to reach sustainability.

The Sustainability Management School in Switzerland has also supported Switzerland’s involvement in assisting those who have been victimised by natural disasters and are in need of help.

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Denmark

It is now said that Denmark is the most eco-friendly country in the world. The country is focused on slowing down Climate Change by making significant cuts in greenhouse gas emissions. How do they do this? Denmark is attentive to using renewable energy and lessening the usage of disposable, non-renewable energy.  Not only that, but there is a major amount of research done by students in Denmark on how they can become a more climate-considerate country.

Denmark’s buses run off electric energy and this is a great step forward as a more sustainable choice. Denmark clearly have been putting in effort and consideration when it comes to ethical choices.

France

We know the Paris Agreement’s long-term plan, which many other countries are involved in. France also has many ways to keep their land as eco-friendly as they possibly can.

We know fast fashion is a serious contributor to climate change. As France is known as a very fashionable country, we see amazing things done, such as the use of dresses that have been upcycled for Paris Fashion week. Also, clothing brands may face a ban that prevents textile waste, encouraging brands to donate and recycle materials.

France is concentrated on the supply of local and environmentally-friendly grown produce; and there is an importance placed on shopping in season, and locally. One of France’s top supermarket chains, The Auchan Supermarket, supplies its shelves with local fruit and vegetables.

France has many methods for preserving the planet, and renewable energy is one of them. Complete France has compiled a list of France’s eco plans, one including their way of using the rivers to generate power:

“France is also harnessing the power of its rivers. A farm of hydro turbines is being installed in the Rhône river, near Lyon, in a world-first that will generate enough power for 400 homes.”

Austria

Austria concentrates on organic farming, carefully farming high-quality produce that does not have consequences on the environment. Austria is also a promoter of renewable energy; they are fastly moving towards sustainable energy sources, i.e. wind, solar and hydro.

Deforestation is a well-known, disastrous issue on this planet. Preservation of forests is essential for air quality, the protection of species and ecosystems, and simply, our world’s beautiful scenic landscape. Austria has much forestation, which allows the region to process quality, non-polluted water. New Austrian Information says:

“This high level of forestation gives Austria the foundation for its high quality of water. Given Austria’s abundance of mountains and forests, 100% of its drinking water originates from spring or groundwater sources.”

Credit: Paul Gilmore

It is undoubtedly a breath of fresh air to see conscious efforts from a region to preserve nature and keep it as protected as they possibly can, for the planet, the people and the animals.

Finland

Slow Finland reveals that  80% of Finland’s rivers are in excellent condition, with little to no pollution. The air quality is reported to be quite decent in Finland because they are far from areas with a high rate of emissions, and they keep their own emissions low as a nation.

Looking at these eco-conscious countries, you cannot help but be in awe of their efforts and methods to tackle climate change, to provide their people with the best, eco-friendly version of their country, focussing on how they can be better. A nation acknowledging the importance of sustainability and renewable energy is fantastic, as it only has benefits. Although there are many more that strive to be eco-friendly, looking at countries such as the ones mentioned above gives a great sense of hope.