Environmental Performance Index 2024

The Yale Center for Environmental Law and Policy and the Columbia Center for International Earth Science Information Network released the Environmental Performance Index (EPI) for 2024.

Key Highlights of EPI 2024

1. Global Scenario: Estonia leads the index by reducing its greenhouse gas emissions by 59% from 1990 levels.
   1. Only 5 countries — Estonia, Finland, Greece, Timor-Leste, and the United Kingdom — cut their GHG emissions at the rate needed to reach net zero by 2050.
   2. Sub-Saharan Africa and Southern Asia rank lowest among the 8 regions assessed.
2. India’s Performance: India ranks 176th out of 180 countries with 27.6 points, placing above only Pakistan, Vietnam, Laos, and Myanmar.
   1. India performs poorly in Air quality, Emissions, and Biodiversity Conservation, largely due to its heavy reliance on coal, which contributes significantly to greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution levels.

Issues Related to EPI

1. Issues Raised By India:
   1. Projected GHG Emissions Calculation: The calculation of projected GHG emissions by 2050 is based on the average rate of change in emissions, which India considers insufficient.
   2. Measurement of biodiversity loss or ecosystem health can be challenging due to the intricate dynamics involved and the lack of standardized methodologies across all regions.
   3. Carbon Sinks Exclusion: India's forests and wetlands, which act as crucial carbon sinks, have not been factored into the computation of projected GHG emissions trajectory up to 2050 in the EPI 2024.
   4. Ecosystem Condition Overlooked: While the index computes the extent of ecosystems, it does not evaluate their condition or productivity.
   5. Lack of Relevant Indicators: The index does not include indicators like agro-biodiversity, soil health, food loss, and waste, which are important for developing countries with large agrarian populations.
2. Issues In General:
   1. Balancing National Priorities: Countries may prioritize economic development over environmental protection, leading to potential conflicts or resistance in implementing EPI recommendations.
   2. Nations heavily reliant on resource extraction or fossil fuel-based industries may face challenges in transitioning to more sustainable practices.
   3. Funding and Resource Constraints: Developing countries may struggle to allocate sufficient funds or expertise for environmental projects, hindering progress.
   4. Cross-Border Environmental Impacts: Addressing transboundary issues such as air pollution, water management, or wildlife protection may require multilateral agreements and joint efforts.

What is the Environmental Performance Index?

The Environmental Performance Index (EPI) is a biennial index, initially launched by the World Economic Forum in 2002 under the name Environmental Sustainability Index (ESI).

1. It evaluates nations' efforts to meet international environmental policy targets such as the U.N. sustainability goals, the Paris Climate Change Agreement (2015), and the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework.
2. The 2024 EPI leverages 58 performance indicators grouped into 11 issue categories with 3 policy objectives: Environmental Health, Ecosystem Vitality, and Climate Change.

Significance of EPI

1. Good Governance: Strong governance frameworks, characterized in the EPI framework such as transparency, accountability, and effective policymaking, are essential for promoting and enforcing environmental regulations and policies.
2. Financial Resources: Adequate financial resources play a pivotal role in implementing and sustaining environmental initiatives, enabling countries to invest in sustainable practices and infrastructure.
3. Human Development: Countries with higher levels of human development, including factors such as education, healthcare, and overall well-being, tend to prioritize environmental sustainability and can implement effective measures.

4. Environmental Conservation Programmes in India 1. Climate Change: National Action Plan on Climate Change 2. Desertification: National Action Programme to Combat Desertification 3. Pollution Control: National Clean Air Program 4. Environmental Impact Assessment: Environment Management Plan 5. Forest Protection: National Afforestation Programme 6. Species Conservation: Project Elephant, Project Tiger

   Regulatory Quality: Robust and well-designed environmental regulations, coupled with effective enforcement mechanisms, are critical for mitigating environmental degradation and ensuring compliance with sustainability standards.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Way Forward

1. Enhance Methodology and Carbon Sequestration: Incorporate a longer time frame (e.g., 20-30 years) to calculate the projected GHG emissions trajectory, instead of relying solely on the average rate of change over the last 10 years.
   1. Efforts to enhance carbon sequestration through initiatives like the Compensatory Afforestation Fund Management and Planning Authority (CAMPA) should be recognized.
2. Expand Set of Indicators: Include indicators that are relevant to developing countries with large agrarian populations, such as agro-biodiversity, soil health, food loss, and waste management.
3. Transparent Weighting and Funding: Provide clear and transparent explanations for any changes in the weighting of indicators, addressing concerns raised by countries like India.
   1. Engage in consultations with stakeholders, including government representatives and experts, to ensure that the weighting of indicators aligns with global priorities and national contexts.

Challenges and Opportunities

1. Addressing the challenges of climate change, biodiversity loss, and environmental degradation requires a concerted effort from governments, civil society, and the private sector.
2. The EPI provides an opportunity for countries to assess their environmental performance, identify areas for improvement, and develop strategies to address environmental challenges.
3. The index also offers a platform for international cooperation, knowledge sharing, and collaboration to address global environmental issues.

 

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