Environment Performance Index (EPI)

Environment Performance Index (EPI) measures the environmental health of countries and ranks them accordingly. Started in 2002 by the World Economic Forum, EPI aims to encourage countries around the world to make sustainable development a priority. The top countries on the Environment Performance Index are Denmark, the UK, Finland, Malta, and Sweden.

This index is an indicator of whether or not a country meets the environmental targets set by the United Nations. Learn about the Environment Performance Index, its history, significance, parameters, and more here.

About Environment Performance Index

The Environment Performance Index (EPI) is a data-based comprehensive sustainability level calculator. In 2022, the EPI ranked 180 countries across the globe on environmental health and ecosystem endurance. India’s rank on the Environment Performance Index 2022 was 180. This indicates a need to prioritize environmental health more.

Environment Performance Index 2022

In 2022, the Environment Performance Index compared the progress of 180 countries around the world in the sphere of environmental health. Here are the top 20 countries on EPI 2022.

Environment Performance Index 2022 India Rank

India’s EPI 2022 rank was 180. When it comes to sustainability and environmental health, India has a long way to go. The country performed poorly in many variables which determined the overall rank on the Environment Performance Index.

• Out of 180 countries that the Environment Performance Index compared, India ranked the last.
• The government must take appropriate measures to improve India’s EPI rank and make the country more sustainable and environment-friendly.

Environment Performance Index Indicators

The Environment Performance Index takes multiple variables into account while ranking countries. Each country is ranked on the basis of its performance on specific indicators. Some of the Environment Performance Index indicators are as follows.

How does the Environment Performance Index Work?

• The Environment Performance Index calculates the two outcomes based on thirty-two parameters across eleven categories.
• These metrics show how near the countries are to meet the United Nations-stated environment policy goals nationally.
• The Environment Performance Index provides a scorecard that identifies environment leaders and slowcoaches and gives practical advice to countries seeking to move towards a more sustainable future.

Environment Performance Index: History

The history of the Environment Performance Index (EPI) can be traced back to years ago. In fact, the Environment Sustainability Index (ESI) was the predecessor to EPI. Find out the details about the Environment Performance Index below.

• The ESI was issued between 1999 and 2005.
• In 2002, the EPI was designed by the World Economic Forum based on the United Nations Millennium Development Goals.
• The McCall MacBain Foundation funds the research on the Environment Performance Index.
• Both the ESI and the EPI were created in partnership with the World Economic Forum and the European Commission's Joint Research Centre by Yale University (Yale Centre for Environment Law and Policy) and Columbia University (Centre for International Earth Science Information Network).

Environment Performance Index: Significance

The Environment Performance Index is a potent policy tool for achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and moving society toward a more sustainable future. Here are all the reasons why the Environment Performance Index (EPI) is so significant.

• The EPI can be used to identify issues, create goals, follow trends, comprehend outcomes, and identify effective policy methods.
• The Environment Performance Index helps countries realize the variable they need to work on in order to make themselves more environmentally efficient.
• Good data and fact-based research can also assist government officials in refining their policy goals, improving communications with critical stakeholders, and maximizing the return on environmental spending.

India on the Environment Performance Index

Over the years, India’s position has only worsened on the Environment Performance Index (EPI). India ranked 180 on EPI 2022. In 2020, India secured a rank shocking 168 out of 180 countries. Here are key highlights of India's rank on the Environment Performance Index so far:

• India rated below the regional (South-Asian) average score on all five crucial indices of environmental health, including air quality, sanitation and drinking water, heavy metals, and waste management.
• In the 2020 Environment Performance Index, India received a score of 27.6 out of 100, lower than all other South Asian countries besides Afghanistan.
• These findings echoed the worries expressed in the Centre for Science and Environment's report, "State of India's Environment 2020 in Figures."
• India also ranked lower than the area average regarding biodiversity and environmental services.
• India was ranked second after Pakistan in terms of 'climate change' on the Environment Performance Index 2020.
• According to a ten-year comparison progress report in the index, India has dropped drastically in climate-related factors due to increased black carbon, carbon dioxide emissions, and greenhouse emissions per capita.
• In 2020, the 11 countries lagging behind India on the Environment Performance Index were Burundi, Haiti, Chad, Solomon Islands, Madagascar, Guinea, Cote d'Ivoire, Sierra Leone, Afghanistan, Myanmar, and Liberia.

Environment Performance Index: Developing Countries

Developing countries have fared far better in balancing environmental protection, industrialization, and civilizations, as shown on the Environment Performance Index. For example, Denmark came first, followed by Luxembourg and Switzerland. The United Kingdom ranked fourth.

However, The US is far behind other industrialized nations on Environmental Performance Index and now ranks 24th globally. For India, the government must engage in a broad range of sustainability challenges, with a strong focus on key issues, including air and water quality, biodiversity, and climate change. On all fronts, India has to intensify its national sustainability efforts.

FAQs on Environment Performance Index

Q1. What is the Environment Performance Index?

Environment Performance Index (EPI) compares and ranks countries on the basis of their commitment to environmental health and sustainability. The EPI assesses the steps taken by countries to meet the UN Millennium Development Goals.

Q2. What is India’s rank on the Environment Performance Index 2022?

India ranks 180 on the Environment Performance Index 2022. India needs to prioritize sustainable development and improve its commitment to the UN Millennium Development Goals. India’s ranking has worsened on the Environment Performance Index over the years.

Q3. Who releases the Environment Performance Index?

World Economic Forum releases the Environment Performance Index. This index takes several factors into account to rank countries around the world on the basis of their commitment to sustainable development and environmental health.

Q4. Which is the top country on the Environment Performance Index 2022?

Denmark is the top country on the Environment Performance Index. The country has performed well consistently in the area of sustainable development and environmental protection. Denmark is an inspiration to all other countries around the world that aim to make sustainability a top priority.

Q5. Who developed the Environment Protection Index?

Environment Performance Index (EPI) was created in partnership with the World Economic Forum and the European Commission's Joint Research Centre by Yale University (Yale Centre for Environment Law and Policy) and Columbia University (Centre for International Earth Science Information Network).

Q6. When was the Environment Performance Index first published?

The index was first published in 2002. Before the Environment Performance Index (EPI), the Environment Sustainability Index (ESI) measured the steps taken towards sustainability by countries around the world.