Top 10 cleanest countries in the world 2024: Estonia, Luxembourg, and Norway score highest in cleanliness index
In countries where pollution levels are high, there are more deaths from non-communicable diseases. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), these diseases are responsible for 74 per cent of all deaths worldwide.
Right now, it is important to reduce all types of pollution to improve people's quality of life. The information here comes from the 2024 Environmental Performance Index (EPI).
Yale University, Columbia University, and the World Economic Forum collaborated to produce the EPI. It assesses the cleanliness and environmental friendliness of 180 nations. The index, which focuses on three primary objectives—preserving ecosystems, combating climate change, and improving environmental health—is based on 58 indicators in 11 categories. These include things like biodiversity, the preservation of natural habitats, sustainable practices, air quality, and water and sanitation.
The world is still a long way from being entirely sustainable, but certain nations have made significant strides. From the cleanest to the most polluted, each nation is assigned a score, providing governments with a means of gauging the effectiveness of their environmental policies and monitoring their advancements towards a healthier, cleaner future.
Source: Environmental Performance Index
Estonia tops the list with outstanding results in air purity, ecosystem care, and climate initiatives. The country is well-known for promoting renewable energy, managing forests responsibly, and running carbon-neutral public transport. It combines modern digital advancements with a strong commitment to protecting nature.
Small in size but big in environmental achievements, Luxembourg performs exceptionally in water quality (90.6) and sanitation (99.8). More than half of its land is under environmental protection, and it ranks high in biodiversity (84.8) thanks to strict EU environmental rules.
Germany achieves full wastewater treatment coverage with a strong score of 89.1 and does well in biodiversity protection (82.4). The country proves that industrial power can coexist with green spaces and well-planned conservation programs.
Finland earns perfect marks in sanitation, safe drinking water, and controlling heavy metal pollution. Its air remains clean, forests are well protected, and environmental care is deeply woven into everyday living.
With over 30 per cent of its oceans protected, the UK is unique in its efforts to conserve its maritime areas. While pursuing aggressive environmental and climatic goals, it has reduced greenhouse gas emissions by about a third over the last ten years.
Renowned worldwide for clean energy use and low carbon emissions, Sweden excels in air purity, sanitation, and heavy metal pollution control. It also maintains healthy forests and works to reduce pollution from farming.
With excellent anti-pollution measures, Norway receives a perfect score of 100 for managing heavy metals and 82.9 for air quality. It remains at the forefront of green energy leadership since nearly all of its electricity originates from renewable sources.
Austria enforces tight controls on pesticides, fertilizers, and pollutants, earning a sanitation score of 96.0. With two-thirds of its land covered in forests and meadows, the country keeps its landscapes lush and well-preserved.
In terms of cleanliness, heavy metal control, and clean drinking water, Switzerland achieves flawless outcomes. Known for its stunning landscapes, it also upholds stringent environmental regulations to safeguard its abundant wildlife.
Denmark is a leader in reducing heavy metal pollution and makes significant investments in organic farming, renewable energy, and environmentally conscious travel. Even if it has recently slowed its rate of emission reduction, it is still a global sustainability model.
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