The Most Eco-Friendly Countries in the World (and Why)

🌍 The Most Eco-Friendly Countries in the World (and Why)

As climate change accelerates, some countries stand out for their commitment to sustainability, renewable energy, conservation, and reduced carbon footprints. These nations consistently rank high on the Environmental Performance Index (EPI) and other global sustainability indicators.

Here’s a list of the most environmentally friendly countries, why they lead the way, and their carbon emissions per capita.

1. Denmark

• Why Eco-Friendly:
  

• Massive investment in wind energy (almost 50% of electricity).

• Ambitious climate goals: carbon neutrality by 2045.

• Eco-conscious urban planning (e.g. cycling infrastructure in Copenhagen).

• CO₂ Emissions per Capita: ~4.4 metric tons (2022)

2. Sweden

• Why Eco-Friendly:
  

• 98% of electricity from renewables (hydro, wind, bioenergy).

• Carbon tax since 1991—one of the first.

• Forest management and green public transit.

• CO₂ Emissions per Capita: ~3.5 metric tons

3. Switzerland

• Why Eco-Friendly:
  

• Strong environmental regulations and recycling.

• Efficient public transport and green tech innovation.

• 60% electricity from hydropower.

• CO₂ Emissions per Capita: ~3.9 metric tons

4. Finland

• Why Eco-Friendly:
  

• Goal to be carbon neutral by 2035.

• High reliance on bioenergy and wind power.

• Forest preservation and circular economy efforts.

• CO₂ Emissions per Capita: ~7.4 metric tons

5. Norway

• Why Eco-Friendly:
  

• Nearly 100% of electricity from hydropower.

• Electric vehicle (EV) leader—80% of new cars are electric.

• Oil-rich but reinvesting in green technology.

• CO₂ Emissions per Capita: ~6.9 metric tons

6. Iceland

• Why Eco-Friendly:
  

• Nearly 100% energy from geothermal and hydropower.

• Small population, aggressive conservation.

• Climate-neutral fishery and tourism sectors.

• CO₂ Emissions per Capita: ~6.1 metric tons

7. Costa Rica

• Why Eco-Friendly:
  

• ~98% of electricity from renewables (hydro, wind, geothermal).

• Massive reforestation and conservation policies.

• Pledged to be carbon neutral by 2050.

• CO₂ Emissions per Capita: ~1.5 metric tons

8. New Zealand

• Why Eco-Friendly:
  

• 80% of electricity from renewables.

• Ambitious climate change legislation (Zero Carbon Act).

• Major investments in conservation and biodiversity.

• CO₂ Emissions per Capita: ~6.8 metric tons

9. Austria

• Why Eco-Friendly:
  

• Heavy use of hydroelectric power.

• Strong recycling systems and low waste generation.

• Green city initiatives (Vienna is top-ranked for sustainability).

• CO₂ Emissions per Capita: ~6.7 metric tons

10. Germany

• Why Eco-Friendly:
  

• “Energiewende” transition to renewables (solar, wind).

• National laws phasing out coal and nuclear.

• Emphasis on energy efficiency in buildings and transport.

• CO₂ Emissions per Capita: ~8.1 metric tons

Bonus: Low-Income Countries with Naturally Low Emissions

While not always listed in global sustainability rankings due to limited infrastructure, several low-income countries have very low carbon footprints, often due to low industrialization and reliance on traditional, low-carbon lifestyles:

🌿

Bhutan

• Why Eco-Friendly:
  

• The only country that is carbon negative.

• Constitutional mandate: 60% forest cover.

• Hydropower exports offset emissions.

• CO₂ Emissions per Capita: ~0.7 metric tons

🌿

Ethiopia

• Why Eco-Friendly:
  

• Green Legacy tree-planting initiative.

• Low industrial emissions.

• CO₂ Emissions per Capita: ~0.1 metric tons

Country

CO₂ Emissions (tons per capita)

Notable Eco-Friendly Features

Denmark

4.4

Wind energy, urban design

Sweden

3.5

Renewables, carbon tax

Switzerland

3.9

Recycling, green transit

Finland

7.4

Bioenergy, forest sustainability

Norway

6.9

EV adoption, hydropower

Iceland

6.1

Geothermal, hydropower

Costa Rica

1.5

Reforestation, renewable energy

New Zealand

6.8

Biodiversity, Zero Carbon Act

Austria

6.7

Hydropower, recycling

Germany

8.1

Energiewende, energy efficiency

Bhutan

0.7

Carbon negative, forest mandates

Ethiopia

0.1

Tree planting, low industrial emissions

Being “eco-friendly” is about more than just emissions. It’s about long-term policy commitment, public engagement, renewable energy infrastructure, and a cultural embrace of sustainability. While emissions per capita vary based on industrial activity and geography, the most eco-friendly countries tend to combine low emissions with high environmental performance.