Iceland, Denmark and the Netherlands are the countries best prepared for a sustainable, low carbon dioxide (CO²) future, according to a study by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

The other countries that are in the top 10 of the Green Future Index 2022 ranking are the United Kingdom, Norway, Finland, France, Germany, Sweden and South Korea.

This index measures how 76 countries around the world are reducing their carbon emissions, developing clean energy and innovating in sustainable sectors.

It also takes into account the initiatives taken to protect the environment and the climate policy of governments.

Produce more than you consume

Iceland, which takes first place with a score of 6.9 out of 10, is one of two European countries that produces more electricity from renewable sources than it consumes, according to figures relayed by the World Economic Forum.

According to the authors, some countries have jumped up the rankings from the previous year by improving their climate policies.

The United Kingdom, for example, which fell from 17th to 4th place in one year, has invested heavily in clean energy.

The virtues of recycling

South Korea, which also entered the top 10 this year, is considered one of the best in the world when it comes to recycling: the country is Asia's largest coffee market and is working to reduce the impact of its waste, having introduced in June 2022 a system for taking back all disposable coffee cups.

Progress has also been made in redirecting infrastructure spending towards clean energy generation projects.

OUR “CLIMATE” FILE

France is the seventh country best prepared for a sustainable and low-carbon future according to the index, with a score of 6.1 out of 10. The country notably scores points thanks to its ambitious hydrogen development policy decarbonized and has planned to invest 7 billion euros in this area by 2030.

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