NZ in global sustainability list's top 10
08 Jul 2008
New Zealand’s commitment to environmental sustainability has paid off with the country scoring seventh place out of more than 140 countries for its effort.
The rating was part of the Environmental Performance Index, a joint initiative between Yale and Columbia Universities in the United States. The index was designed as a way of quantifying and benchmarking the environmental performance of each country's policies.
New Zealand scored 88.9 overall on the index, achieving a perfect 100 in the areas of water and sanitation. It scored 99 for environmental health and 78.8 for ecosystem vitality. The lowest scores were for pesticide regulation, marine protected areas, biodiversity and emissions.
The top-ranked country was Switzerland, with an overall ranking of 95.5.
The United States placed 39th, behind other developed states such as the United Kingdom, 14th, and Japan, 21st. Australia ranked 46th, with low scores for water stress, pesticide regulation, climate change and emissions.
Carbon-neutral future
New Zealand was one of the first countries in the world to pledge a carbon-neutral future and hosted this year’s World Environment Day in June.
The ‘Kick the Habit’ theme focussed on solutions and opportunities for countries, companies and communities to de-carbonize economies and life-styles.
New Zealand’s measures towards achieving the carbon-neutral goal include greater energy efficiency in buildings and appliances, and a focus on the role of forests in countering rises in greenhouse gases. An estimated 20 per cent of emissions contributing to climate change globally are a result of deforestation.
New Zealand Prime Minister Helen Clark says the country has made a commitment to reducing its emissions as part of a drive for greater environmental sustainability. ''But to overcome the challenge of climate change, kicking the carbon habit must be a truly global goal,'' said Ms Clark.
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