March 2008

Switzerland number one on 2008 Environmental Performance Index

Switzerland tops the global list of countries ranked by environmental performance, according to the 2008 Environmental Performance Index (EPI) published by a team of environmental experts at Yale and Columbia Universities. The 2008 EPI ranks second through fifth Sweden, Norway, Finland, and Costa Rica respectively. These top-ranked countries have all invested in water and air pollution control and other elements of environmental infrastructure, and have adopted policy measures to mitigate pollution caused by economic activities. Switzerland’s outstanding position represents the country’s endeavors to maintain the superior quality of life and the distinguished economic area in Switzerland.

The 2008 EPI ranks 149 countries in 25 categories within six established policies: Environmental Health, Air Pollution, Water Resources, Biodiversity and Habitat, Productive Natural Resources, and Climate Change. The EPI therefore identifies broadly-accepted targets for environmental performance and indicates the achievement of these goals by each country.

www.epi.yale.edu

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