Who is making a difference in the world?

While the global community still has a long way to go in addressing the numerous problems facing our planet, some countries are emerging as leaders in advocating change, development and environmental responsibility.

Here are a few examples of countries leading the way with their positive global contributions to the preservation of our planet and climate change.

NORWAY

This country is a trailblazer in environmental initiatives through a combination of government policies and lifestyle choices. Norwegians embrace the concept of friluftsliv, which translates to ‘open-air life’ and promotes the importance of spending time outdoors in order to be happy and healthy. In addition to lifestyle, the Norwegian government has led the world in a number of environmental initiatives including the highest electric car adoption rate in the world and a government pledge for the nation to be climate neutral by 2030. The country is also powered sustainably with 99% of its domestic energy being sourced through hydropower from its coastline, waterfalls and fjords. The capital city Oslo was named the 2019 European Green Capital by the European Commission for their tremendous work in restoring waterways, becoming car-free in the city centre, and their investment in cycling and public transportation.

SWEDEN

Recently having passed a law obligating the government to cut all greenhouse gas emissions by 2045, the Nordic country is considered by many to be the most renewable energy friendly in the world. Other environmental initiatives that set them apart from the rest include their highly successful recycling program, which has seen it having to actually import waste in order to keep the recycling facilities operating. With a strong focus on work/life balance, free education and social rights, Sweden is a world leader in many ways.

PORTUGAL

Portugal was one of the pioneering countries to invest in a full network of charging stations for electric cars. They are considered as world leaders in incentivising citizens to install solar power and renewable energy by offering lower rates and the option to sell back energy to the grid. Composting and recycling is an everyday part of life in Portugal, with specialised bins located in all neighbourhoods making recycling easy and efficient. Education has been key to promoting environmental efforts within the nation with schools running specialised environmental programs aimed at fostering a respect for the environment amongst the next generation. Although the use of bicycles isn’t as popular in Portugal as in other European countries, other sustainable modes of transport, such as electric scooters, have become extremely popular.

INDONESIA

Not a country that naturally springs to mind when you think of environmental protection, considering its vast population and massive environmental challenges, it is a country that is having step up to the plate to make productive changes. Home to the world’s 16th largest economy, it’s no secret that Indonesia’s economic success is having a huge environmental impact. The nation is the world’s fifth largest emitter of greenhouse gases as a result of its forest conversions. This not only impacts the world environment, but is also a huge problem for national health with over 60% of Jakarta’s population suffering from air related pollution problems. As a response to these huge environmental impacts Indonesia has taken the strong stance to commit to reducing emissions by 29% by 2030. It has also undertaken a massive national development plan which focuses on ecosystem restoration as well as a social forestry program targeting approximately 31 million acres of land and allowing farmers to use designated forest plots legally for up to 35 years. All these measures are aimed at relieving the environmental impact that their growing economy is having on not only their domestic but also the global ecosystem. A great step in the right direction.

ICELAND

With their incredibly green forests, excellent water quality and low levels of air pollution, Iceland is considered to be one of the most environmentally friendly countries on the planet. The reason for its great record? A long and continued commitment to environmental issues. The nation is undoubtedly still reaping the benefits from its 1999 Nature Conservation Act, which set laws in place to protect the land from construction, deforestation and other damaging action. In addition, over 70% of the country’s total energy consumption comes from hydro and geothermal resources. A great example of a nation making the most on its natural resources without exploiting them! These countries mentioned are a small snapshot of some of the world’s nations that are making positive changes to improve the environmental impact of globalisation.