CLEANEST COUNTRIES IN THE WORLD

     (Border of the forest region in    

                   Switzerland)

Yale University and Columbia University jointly conducted research on the rankings of cleanest countries in the world in collaboration with World Economic Forum. It aims to measure the cleanliness and environmental friendliness of countries across several variables. The EPI index considers various criteria such as air quality, water, sanitation, forests, climate change, as well as other key factors. It also takes into account 50 percent of country's  environmental health and  percent pertains to its ecosystem vitality.

According to WHO air pollution has become one of the leading threats to public health and therefore, has become a global issue. Water and sanitation is another factor, wherein a country has access to clean water. A source of clean water is crucial for human development, the environment and the economy of the country. Climate and energy issue, forests, fisheries, use of heavy metals etc are also included as the determining factors of a country's EPI.

As per the EPI rankings, top 10 cleanest countries in the world in 2021 are the following according to their ranking orders.

1. Switzerland

2. France

3. Denmark

4. Malta

5. Sweden

6. UK

7. Luxembourg

8. Austria

9. Ireland

10. Finland

In this cleanliness process 179 countries were included. Among them Switzerland reached the top with an impressive EPI score of 87.42. France has 83.95, Denmark 81.60, Malta 80.90, Sweden 80.51, UK 79.89, Luxembourg 79.12, Austria 78.97, Ireland 78.77 and Finland 78.64 are the EPI scores of other countries.

According to the findings of Yale University India stands at 163 with a score of 27.6, Bangladesh 156 with score 29, Nepal 140 with 32.7, Kenya 130 with 34.7, China 119 with 37.3, Sri Lanka 107 with 39, Malaysia 67 with score 47.9)

Should we Indians to think something about cleanliness? Better this to include in the school syllabus, so that tomorrow we may have a cleaner India!

(Indebted to mensgear.net for the data. However according to the study conducted by different agencies there can be minor variations in the EPI score and thereby the ranking order of the on countries too.)

K V George