Even the greenest countries fall short of net‑zero targets, new index shows

Estonia leads a table dominated by European countries, but researchers say even top performers are falling short of net-zero timelines.

Nympha Ozougwu, OPA News Agency 

Europe’s strongest environmental performers widened their lead in a new global ranking, even as the pace of progress towards long‑term climate goals shows signs of slowing.

Estonia topped the 2026 Environmental Performance Index, published by researchers at Yale University and Columbia University, ahead of Luxembourg and the UK. The index assesses 177 countries using 47 indicators across climate change, air quality, biodiversity, forests, water resources and waste management.

Estonia’s position reflects a sharp fall in greenhouse gas emissions from electricity generation over the past decade, alongside faster deployment of renewable energy and stronger protection of ecosystems. 

Luxembourg and the UK followed, with Finland and the Netherlands completing the top five. Japan was the only non‑European country to appear in the top 20.

Researchers said Europe’s strong showing stemmed from sustained investment in emissions reduction, tighter environmental regulation and long‑running support for renewable energy. 

“Europe’s strong showing is partially attributable to very strong environmental regulations and a commitment to decarbonization,” said Alex de Sherbinin, director of Columbia University’s Center for International Earth Science Information Network and a co‑author of the index.

But the ranking also highlights the limits of current progress. Few countries are on track to reach net‑zero emissions by 2050, and momentum has slowed in areas such as pollution control and natural‑resource protection.

The US placed 27th overall. It performed strongly on environmental health but scored lower on biodiversity and climate‑related measures. Researchers said US emissions had fallen in recent years but remained above the trajectory needed for a net‑zero pathway by mid‑century.

Results across sub‑Saharan Africa varied widely. Botswana ranked highest in the region, placing 38th globally with an EPI score of 51.77. Benin ranked 91st, Angola 96th, while Burkina Faso and the Democratic Republic of Congo appeared lower in the global table.

The findings point to a widening gap between countries with mature environmental policies and those struggling to turn climate targets into tangible progress.

One Planet Agency