Context: Recently, the 2024 Environmental Performance Index (EPI) was released by the Yale Center for Environmental Law & Policy and the Center for International Earth Science Information Network (CIESIN). 

About EPI 2024

• The EPI ranks 180 countries on their environmental performance using 58 indicators across 11 issue categories.

• These categories include climate change performance, air and water quality, biodiversity, and ecosystem vitality.

• It provides a comprehensive assessment of how nations are performing on a global scale towards established environmental policy targets.

• The EPI aims to help countries identify effective policies for sustainable environmental outcomes?.

• Emissions Assessment: One notable addition is assessing individual countries’ progress in reducing their greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. 

• Increased Emission Reductions: The report reveals that more countries are reducing their emissions than previously thought. 

• However, only five nations – Estonia, Finland, Greece, Timor-Leste, and the UK – have reduced their emissions enough to reach net zero or be on track to do so by 2050 if they continue at their current rate.

• Metrics for Habitat Protection: The 2024 EPI has introduced new metrics to measure how well countries protect essential habitats and regulate protected areas. This is in response to the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework’s goal of protecting 30% of land and sea by 2030.

• The report shows that many countries have met conservation goals, but the loss of natural ecosystems remains a major challenge. In 23 countries, over 10% of protected lands are occupied by buildings and agriculture. 

India’s Performance

• Rank of India: The 2024 Environmental Performance Index ranks India 176th out of 180 countries, highlighting serious environmental challenges.

• Despite slight progress in climate change mitigation, India scores poorly in air quality and sanitation.

• India’s overall ranking is grim but fares slightly better in the Climate Change Index, ranking 133rd with 35 points. 

• However, India ranks fifth in air quality in South Asia with 6.8 points.

• Key issues highlighted for India include poor air quality, with a specific mention of high PM2.5 exposure and significant challenges in managing solid waste and sanitation.

• Despite these challenges, there are positive indicators such as a relatively high rank in the Species Habitat Index.

• The overall score and ranks suggest that while there are areas of strength, India faces significant environmental challenges that require concerted policy attention and action?.

Significance of  Environmental Performance Index (EPI)

• Identifying Top Performance Drivers: The EPI helps decision-makers identify the factors behind high environmental performance. 

• Key Factors for Sustainability: Analysing EPI data shows that financial resources, good governance, human development, and regulatory quality are crucial for enhancing a country’s sustainability. 

• Promoting Sustainable Development: By highlighting these connections, the EPI promotes sustainable development for a more secure and equitable environmental future.