Norway
Norway has one of the highest rates of use of renewable energy in the world. Hydroelectric power is the country's main energy source. But most importantly, both Norwegian government and the Norwegian people display a high level of environmental awareness. Several legal framework have been implemented to tackle a range of problems ranging from deforestation to wildlife and motorized vehicles. Although Norway is a major oil and gas producer, the state petroleum fund has recently announced that it will not invest in petroleum-related business anymore.
Switzerland
The strength of Switzerland lies in its control of water pollution and waste management. Indeed, Switzerland has one of the highest rates of recycling around the world. Swiss government has also given special thought to sustainability, biodiversity, climate change and forest management.
Portugal
The European Commission has commanded Portugal on its efforts to address the environmental challenges that the country is facing. Indeed, in the course of 2018, the country has adopted the National Strategy for Nature Conservation and Biodiversity and special effort has been made in marine conservation and water management.
Slovenia
The country has been commanded for putting in place a complete legal framework to ensure proper monitoring and inspection of risks and solutions alike. Further plans for reducing emissions, waste-management or biodiversity are also on the way.
Cyprus
Cyprus scores particularly high on conservation as it has a significant number of nature-protected areas and protected marine environment. Cyprus also obtains the most funds from environment taxes.
Sources :
- Good Country Index : https://www.goodcountry.org/index/results#PRT
- SGI : http://www.sgi-network.org/2017/Portugal/Environmental_Policies
- The Environmental Implementation Review : http://ec.europa.eu/environment/eir/pdf/factsheet_cy_en.pdf
