5 Countries With Cleanliness Levels Above the U.S., Surveys Say
The environmental performance gap between the United States and other nations reveals fascinating patterns in global sustainability efforts. Despite being one of the world’s largest economies, the United States ranks much lower on the EPI, with a score of 51.1 and is ranked 34th overall, highlighting significant room for improvement compared to leading environmental performers.
Estonia: The Surprising Baltic Leader
With an EPI score of 67.2, Estonia ranked 16th among the world’s cleanest and most environmentally friendly countries, according to the 2024 EPI Results. This Baltic nation has transitioned away from oil shale to cleaner alternatives like wind, biomass, and solar power, achieving an impressive reduction in greenhouse gas emissions of about 40% over the past decade. Estonia also leads in waste management and sanitation infrastructure, with the government implementing progressive environmental regulations, and urban areas like Tallinn seeing major investments in green spaces and public transport electrification.
Luxembourg: Small Country, Big Environmental Impact
Luxembourg held the #2 spot on the 2024 Environmental Performance Index with a strong score of 77.3, proving that small countries can achieve big environmental wins. Luxembourg leads the world in water management, scoring at the top with 90.6 in Water Resources thanks to advanced wastewater treatment systems and strict EU-aligned standards, and it also earns an impressive 93.2 in Sanitation & Drinking Water. Over 55% of its land is safeguarded, helping it earn a top-tier score of 84.8 in Biodiversity & Habitat.
Germany: Industrial Powerhouse Goes Green
Germany ranked third on the 2024 Environmental Performance Index with a score of 77.2, reflecting strong leadership in both environmental policy and practice. The country is a leader in fields including biodiversity, habitat preservation, sustainability, and environmental protection, with numerous cities known for their environmentally conscious efforts, including Freiburg which is frequently praised as the greenest city in Germany with 82 percent of its total area designated as green space. Luxembourg and Germany score high on air and water quality and environmental governance.
Finland: Nordic Excellence in Environmental Performance
Finland ranked fourth on the 2024 Environmental Performance Index with an EPI of 76.5, reflecting its long-standing commitment to environmental quality. The country earns a perfect 100.0 in both Sanitation & Drinking Water and Heavy Metals, showing top-tier performance in public health and pollution control. Finland gets about 42 percent of its energy from renewable sources and receives flawless scores for drinking water, sanitation, and heavy metal exposure, and is ranked third in the world for air quality with a score of 93.5. Finland is reportedly working to shut down coal-fired power plants as part of a bigger goal to phase out coal completely by 2029.
United Kingdom: Conservation and Climate Leadership
The United Kingdom ranked fifth on the 2024 Environmental Performance Index, with a score of 72.6 reflecting its strong record on conservation and emissions reduction. The UK is the only country in the index that has already established marine protected areas covering more than 30% of its ocean territory – including its overseas territories – with high or full levels of protection. The United Kingdom has made rapid progress in environmental policy, reducing its carbon emissions by more than 40% since 1990, phasing out coal-fired power plants and now generating a significant portion of its electricity from wind and solar, with its Clean Air Strategy leading to improvements in urban air quality, particularly in cities like London with ultra-low emission zones.
These countries demonstrate that environmental excellence isn’t just about natural advantages but requires dedicated policy efforts, technological innovation, and cultural commitment to sustainability. Their success stories offer valuable blueprints for nations seeking to improve their environmental performance and quality of life.
