In this insightful article, we will list countries that are most committed to environmental conservation.

Recognizing the dangers of climate deterioration, countries that care about the environment the most have heavily invested in renewables, such as wind energy, to mitigate the effects of climate change. These investments in climate-friendly initiatives serve as economic strategies and help countries achieve their environmental conservation goals.

The European Green Deal, which aims to make the European Union climate-neutral by 2050, is a prime example. In addition to investing in sustainable energy sources, countries that care about the environment the most prioritize R&D for green technologies. For instance, Israel’s commitment to water research has effectively addressed its water scarcity challenges, positioning it as a global leader in water technologies.

Learn about the countries most affected by climate change by reading Top 20 Countries Most Affected by Global Warming.

Impact Of Climate-Conscious Efforts 

The renewable energy industry has fostered technological innovation, reduced energy costs, and created jobs. The International Labor Organization reports that the renewable energy sector has generated 12.7 million jobs worldwide, even amidst multiple crises. Similarly, the transportation sector, a significant contributor to emissions, has seen innovations such as Japan’s high-speed rail networks and the Netherlands’ expansive cycling infrastructure.

These advancements help mitigate environmental damage and decrease countries’ dependence on dwindling non-renewable energy sources. Electric vehicles (EVs) have garnered significant support, notably in countries like New Zealand and Norway, which aim to phase out the sale of internal combustion engine cars. Due to incentive and cash rebate programs, EV sales increased by 41% in 2020, despite a 16% decrease in global car sales, according to the World Economic Forum.

Governments provide considerable subsidies, tax exemptions, and incentives to encourage EV adoption. These include reduced road tolls, free parking, and access to bus lanes. The European Alternative Fuels Observatory states that drivers are exempt from purchase tax on EVs, and companies purchasing them can receive $1400-4600 in governmental support per vehicle, depending on its size. Consequently, Norway boasts one of the highest per capita numbers of EVs. Likewise, in New Zealand, the Clean Car Discount Scheme offers cash rebates on electric and hybrid vehicle purchases, aiming to make such vehicles more affordable for residents.

Countries that produce the most greenhouse gases significantly contribute to climate deterioration. You can check them out in the preceding link.

Energy Companies Benefiting From Climate-Smart Subsidies

Solar power and EVs were once considered unconventional, with only a few entities actively pursuing them. However, over the past decade, there has been a surge in interest in these eco-friendly power and transportation sources, especially in countries with strong environmental policies. According to the Climate Tech Report 2020, $87.5 billion was invested in climate tech from 2020 to 2021. As the public’s interest in ‘going green’ grows, governments are supporting the biggest greentech companies in the world.

NextEra Energy, Inc. (NYSE:NEE), the largest producer of wind and solar energy, boasts a diverse portfolio that includes wind, solar, and nuclear energy. The company plans to add 3,184 megawatts of solar power to the nation’s capacity. In 2020, NextEra Energy, Inc. (NYSE:NEE)’s electricity generation capacity stood at 55,000 megawatts, with over 90% of its electricity coming from clean or renewable sources. Its FPL SolarTogether project aims to establish the most extensive community solar program in the US. This project of Florida Power & Light, a subsidiary of NextEra Energy (NYSE:NEE), represents a considerable expansion of solar capacity in the state, intending to add 1,780 MW of new universal solar capacity, potentially serving more than 300,000 customers.

Dominion Energy Inc. (NYSE:D) is another forward-thinking company dedicated to environmentally-friendly energy practices. Currently, Dominion Energy Inc. (NYSE:D) provides clean energy to nearly 7 million people and has an installed capacity of 27,100 megawatts. Of the total electricity supplied by Dominion Energy Inc. (NYSE:D), 3,100 megawatts are derived from clean energy sources such as solar and hydropower, a stamp to its advanced solar initiatives. As the biggest power generation companies in the world and other stakeholders embrace eco-friendly practices, it will become easier for nations leading in environmental protection to counteract potential ecological degradation.

You can also explore the Best Climate Change Stocks To Invest In to capitalize on the green energy industry. 

Our Methodology 

We ranked the top environmentally conscious countries based on their environmental commitment and efforts towards renewable energy using three indices: the Environmental Performance Index (EPI), the Energy Transition Index (ETI), and the Renewable Energy category of the Climate Change Performance Index (CCPI).

We found that countries ranking high in these indices are doing well towards achieving their climate conservation goals. Therefore, after identifying 15 top-performing countries across these indices, we used a weighted average method to derive our list of the top environmentally conscious countries. We listed our chosen countries as per their rankings in these three resources and then employed the averaging method to find our final rankings.

We applied the following weights to compute the weighted average scores: 0.4 for the ETI, 0.3 for the EPI, and 0.3 for the Renewable Energy category of the CCPI.

Based on this methodology, the following are the countries that care about the environment the most:

15. Croatia 

Insider Monkey Rating: 15

Croatia is among the countries that care about the environment most, as it has demonstrated significant dedication to transitioning towards a sustainable future. The country has invested heavily in its renewable energy sector, particularly hydro and solar power. By 2020, approximately 28.02% of Croatia’s total energy was coming from renewable sources. The country plans to shut down landfills and prevent water pollution by 2024, pivoting to modern waste-treatment facilities. According to the European Environment Agency, Croatia will invest an average of $5.3 billion on renewable energy by 2030.

14. New Zealand 

Insider Monkey Rating: 14

New Zealand’s environmental consciousness is deeply embedded in its Maori heritage, emphasizing the bond between the land and its people. By 2019, about 84% of New Zealand’s electricity generation was derived from renewable sources, with hydropower as the primary contributor. Beyond energy, the nation’s ‘Predator Free 2050’ initiative aims to shield its endemic species from invasive predators. Water quality in lakes, rivers, and coastal regions remains a consistent topic in national policy debates. Moreover, New Zealand’s Aotearoa commitments under the Paris Agreement target a reduction of net carbon emissions by 50% below 2005 gross emissions from 2021 to 2030.

13. Germany

Insider Monkey Rating: 13

Germany has persistently advanced its “Energiewende” or energy transition policy, establishing itself as a global renewable energy movement pioneer. Striving for a low-carbon, nuclear-free economy, Germany sourced over 51.7% of its electricity from renewables by 2023. The country also champions extensive reforestation projects and habitat conservation. As an industrial powerhouse, Germany’s focus on cleaner technologies and efficient waste management systems underscores its progressive stance on environmental sustainability.

12. Latvia

Insider Monkey Rating: 12

Latvia’s abundant forests cover about 54% of its land area, preserved through stringent legislation. The country predominantly relies on biomass and hydropower, with renewables accounting for over 40% of its energy consumption in 2020, as reported by the International Energy Agency. Latvia’s “Green Scheme” policy incentivizes sustainable agricultural practices, bolstering biodiversity conservation and clean water initiatives. The OECD notes that since joining the European Union in 2004, Latvia has made significant strides in residential energy efficiency, reduction of carbon emissions, and wastewater treatment.

11. France

Insider Monkey Rating: 11

France’s environmental strategy is rooted in policy innovation and technological advancement that mark its place among countries with strong environmental policies. Committed to shuttering several coal-fired power stations, France is augmenting its reliance on nuclear, wind, and solar energy. The country’s 2019 energy law aims to reduce carbon emissions by 37% in 2030 compared to 1990 levels. Impressively, renewables made up about 25.3% of France’s total energy consumption. Beyond environmental advantages, the French renewable energy sector supports nearly 60,000 full-time jobs. In terms of water management, France has rolled out holistic initiatives, like the “Grenelle Environment,” to maintain water quality and sustainability across urban and rural areas.

10. United Kingdom 

Insider Monkey Rating: 10

The United Kingdom has been a forerunner in environmental policies, especially since committing to net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. The nation’s potential in offshore wind energy has grown exponentially, boasting some of the world’s largest wind farms off its coasts. Currently, over 48% of the UK’s electricity is derived from renewable energy sources, with wind, biomass, and solar leading the way. Conservation initiatives like the Blue Belt program aim to protect marine environments across the UK Overseas Territories. Furthermore, the country plans to eliminate avoidable plastics by 2042 as a part of its sustainability policy.

9. Luxembourg 

Insider Monkey Rating: 9

Luxembourg introduced its inaugural climate law in 2020, committing to reduce carbon emissions by 55% by 2030. The nation also targets sourcing 25% of its energy from renewable resources by 2030. Investments in solar energy and sustainable public transport, such as the tram network, highlight its dedication to environmental sustainability. Luxembourg’s Biodiversity Strategy 2030 emphasizes the conservation of habitats and species, showcasing an integrated environmental vision.

8. Estonia

Insider Monkey Rating: 8

Estonia has committed to reducing GHG (greenhouse gas) emissions by 70% by 2030 and 80% by 2050. Currently, renewable energy sources account for approximately 27% of the country’s total electricity production, with wind contributing 15%. Initiatives like the “Estonian Green Movement” spotlight forest conservation and sustainable forestry, especially given that forests cover about 57% of the nation. These nature restoration projects preserve unique habitats and serve as carbon sinks.

7. The Netherlands

Insider Monkey Rating: 7

The Netherlands grapples with sea-level rise and land reclamation challenges, necessitating sustainable innovation. The nation has adopted comprehensive measures like green public procurement and waste reduction, setting an ambitious goal of achieving a circular economy by 2050. By 2020, over 17% of its energy was derived from renewable sources, spurred by significant wind and solar energy investments. The Dutch “Room for the River” program also emphasizes river ecosystem health while addressing flood risks and promoting biodiversity conservation.

6. Switzerland

Insider Monkey Rating: 6

According to Sustainable Governance Indicators, Switzerland is committed to reducing its greenhouse gas emissions by 50% by 2030, using 1990 as a baseline. Switzerland is acutely aware of environmental changes, particularly evident in its receding glaciers. The country sources over 60% of its electricity from hydroelectric power, underscoring a longstanding dedication to renewable energy. The Swiss Biodiversity Strategy, initiated in 2012, details numerous conservation measures for flora and fauna.

5. Austria

Insider Monkey Rating: 5

Austria heavily relies on renewable energy sources, with 77% of its energy coming from renewables, predominantly hydropower. The country’s ÖkoKauf Wien initiative emphasizes green public procurement and promotes sustainable products and services in public institutions. Austria’s stringent water management practices ensure that over 95% of its inhabitants have access to high-quality spring water.

4. Norway

Insider Monkey Rating: 4

Norway’s energy generation system is among the world’s best. Powered largely by hydropower, approximately 98% of its electricity comes from renewable sources, according to the International Energy Agency. Renowned for its commitment to electric vehicles, Norway aims for all new passenger cars and vans to be zero-emission by 2025. The impact of this initiative became evident after 2016, as reported by the OECD.

3. Finland

Insider Monkey Rating: 3

Finland is striving to achieve carbon neutrality by 2035, and to meet this goal, the nation has significantly invested in wind and solar energy. Forests, covering over 73% of the country, are also sustainably managed to provide ecological benefits. Comprehensive water management strategies, such as groundwater conservation and protecting numerous lakes, exemplify Finland’s commitment to being climate-smart.

2. Sweden

Insider Monkey Rating: 2

Sweden aspires to be entirely powered by renewable energy by 2040, a goal bolstered by its highly decarbonized power system. With renewables, especially wind, and hydropower, currently supplying nearly 60% of Sweden’s energy, the objective seems attainable. The Vision Zero initiative, aimed at reducing road fatalities, further emphasizes a shift to safer, greener modes of transport.

1. Denmark

Insider Monkey Rating: 1

Denmark’s wind turbines symbolize its pioneering role in green energy. As early as 2019, wind energy accounted for 50% of its electricity consumption, a figure that has since risen to around 60%. Committed to reducing greenhouse gases, Denmark has implemented measures like green agricultural practices with a goal of achieving a 70% reduction by 2030.

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Disclosure: None. 15 Countries That Care About The Environment Most was originally published at Insider Monkey.