Definition: The EPI is an international ranking system that evaluates the environmental health and sustainability of countries.
Origin: Started in 2002 as the Environmental Sustainability Index by the World Economic Forum in collaboration with the Yale Center for Environmental Law and Policy and the Columbia University Center for International Earth Science Information Network.
Framework and Indicators:
- Indicators: 40 performance indicators grouped into 11 categories:
- Air quality, water quality, waste management, biodiversity, climate change, emissions, energy use, environmental health, ecosystem services, sustainable development.
- Purpose: Measures how close countries are to achieving environmental policy targets.
Ranking System:
- Countries ranked on a 0–100 scale, with higher scores indicating better environmental performance.
Significance:
- Decision-Making: Helps decision-makers identify factors driving top-tier environmental performance.
- Focus Areas: Highlights the importance of financial resources, good governance, human development, and regulatory quality for sustainability.
