UN Releases Global Eco Scorecard to Rank Countries on Green Progress

Post by : Priya

  Photo:Reutres

In an ambitious step toward strengthening global efforts against climate change, the United Nations has launched a new initiative called the Global Sustainability Index (GSI). This new program is designed to measure and rank the environmental performance of countries around the world, using key data from sectors such as energy, pollution control, land use, conservation, and waste management.

Announced at the 2025 United Nations Environmental Assembly in Geneva, the index comes at a time when the world is facing rising temperatures, worsening pollution levels, shrinking forests, and frequent extreme weather events. The UN hopes the index will serve as a transparent, science-based tool to motivate countries to take stronger and smarter action on climate and environmental issues.

The launch of this index marks a turning point in how the international community holds itself accountable for promises made under the Paris Agreement, the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and national climate action plans.

What is the Global Sustainability Index?

The Global Sustainability Index is an evidence-based ranking system that will be published annually. It measures countries' progress toward sustainable development through environmental protection and responsible resource use. The index uses over 50 indicators, categorized under five main areas:

• Clean Energy and Carbon Emissions
• Air and Water Quality
• Forestry and Biodiversity
• Sustainable Urban Development
• Waste Management and Circular Economy

Each participating country receives a composite score based on data from both national sources and independent global databases. Countries are then ranked according to their environmental performance, with top scorers recognized as sustainability leaders.

The index is meant to offer a full picture of a nation's environmental strengths and weaknesses, giving governments and citizens a clear view of their progress—or lack thereof.

Why This Index Matters Now

The timing of the Global Sustainability Index is critical. According to the UN’s 2024 Climate Report, global carbon emissions have not dropped at the pace needed to limit warming to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels. Biodiversity loss is accelerating, air and water pollution continue to threaten public health, and extreme weather events are becoming more frequent and deadly.

UN Secretary-General António Guterres described the index as a “wake-up tool” that shines a spotlight on countries that are making real progress and those that need to improve.

“This is not just a list or a scorecard. It is a mirror,” Guterres said. “It reflects who is truly committed to building a green future and who is falling behind. The world deserves to know the truth.”

The index encourages accountability, particularly from high-emission countries that have long promised action. It also offers support to developing nations by highlighting areas where international aid and technology transfers can be most effective.

The Criteria Behind the Rankings

The Global Sustainability Index is based on detailed scientific criteria developed in collaboration with global research institutions, national statistical agencies, and environmental NGOs. Here’s a closer look at the five main pillars of the index:

1. Clean Energy and Carbon Emissions

This pillar assesses the share of renewable energy in a country’s total energy supply, its fossil fuel dependency, per capita CO₂ emissions, and efforts to phase out coal. It also considers energy efficiency measures and incentives for green technology.

2. Air and Water Quality

Indicators here include levels of fine particulate matter (PM2.5), nitrogen dioxide (NO₂), access to clean drinking water, and wastewater treatment. Countries with better public health outcomes tied to cleaner air and water score higher.

3. Forestry and Biodiversity

This part of the index looks at forest coverage, protected natural areas, endangered species protection, and anti-deforestation policies. It reflects efforts to preserve natural habitats and the diversity of life they support.

4. Sustainable Urban Development

This includes urban green space availability, eco-friendly public transport, low-emission building codes, and city-level climate plans. Urban sustainability is key to a greener future as cities now house over 55% of the global population.

5. Waste Management and Circular Economy

Countries are evaluated on recycling rates, plastic use reduction, landfill dependency, and promotion of a circular economy where resources are reused, repaired, or repurposed instead of discarded.

Top Performers in the First Global Sustainability Index

In its inaugural edition, the index ranked 193 countries. European nations dominated the top spots, with Sweden, Norway, and Finland scoring highest due to their long-standing commitment to green energy, strict environmental laws, and investment in biodiversity protection.

Other notable mentions include:

• Costa Rica: Recognized for its carbon-neutral development strategy and massive reforestation efforts.
• Bhutan: Praised for being carbon-negative and protecting its forests and wildlife.
• New Zealand: Scored high for its clean energy transition and water quality initiatives.
• Meanwhile, many industrialized countries with large carbon footprints—such as China, India, and the United States—ranked in the middle or lower tiers, reflecting the tension between economic growth and environmental responsibility.

Countries in conflict zones or facing extreme poverty, such as Yemen, South Sudan, and Haiti, ranked at the bottom—mostly due to lack of infrastructure and government capacity, not lack of intent.

UN Sustainability Index