Editorial . . . . . . . . . 

The Environment Performance Index (EPI) is a global ranking system that assesses a country’s environmental health and long-term viability. Some of the rankings were expected and came as no surprise. They are, in fact, reflections of stark realities that we would otherwise choose to overlook. In the 2022 Environment Performance Index (EPI), an analysis by Yale and Columbia University researchers that gives a data-driven evaluation of the situation of sustainability around the world, India came in last out of 180 countries. Climate change, environmental public health, and biodiversity are among the 40 performance factors used by the EPI to rank 180 nations. With a score of 77.9, Denmark leads the list, while India’s score of 18.9 is not just the lowest; it also represents a decadal fall. “…For the EPI’s overall performance and rating, each country’s performance is evaluated across 18 areas, including ecosystem vitality, biodiversity and habitat, ecosystem services, and grassland loss. Unfortunately, India consistently ranks at the bottom or at the bottom of practically every category, both regionally and worldwide,” according to an EPI statement.

The US was ranked 20th out of 22 rich democracies in the western world, and 43rd overall. The index is comprised of 40 indicators divided into three categories. A decline in biodiversity, most notably in species habitat, was compounded by wetland, grassland, and tree-cover losses, lowering our assessment of ecosystem vitality. Fisheries, once a stronghold, have seen a decline in the last decade. While air quality was a major disappointment, we did make progress in sanitation and drinking water. We did a poor job on climate policy, owing primarily to carbon emissions. Trends that threaten ecosystem vitality, especially in the developing world, where air and water emissions remain large, are a result of the desire of economic prosperity embodied in industrialization and urbanization. According to EPI, data reveals that emerging countries do not have to choose between economic security and sustainability. Policymakers and stakeholders in leading countries have taken initiatives to address climate change, demonstrating that concentrated attention can mobilize communities to conserve natural resources and human well-being. The administration, as is customary, may be tempted to dismiss these conclusions as erroneous. Every study of this type would have something that may be questioned. However, the shock of a low ranking, whether warranted or not, must not deflect attention from the need to step up climate action.

Energy shortages have exacerbated our economic trade-offs, making being green a difficult task. It’s time for us to get our act together. And, in order to solve a problem, you must first acknowledge it. EPI certainly enables decision-makers to recognize the drivers of top-tier performance and help to promote sustainable development in support of a more environmentally secure and equitable future. Our Jammu and Kashmir UT which is presently moving fast in terms of all-around development along with construction and road activities also need to maintain climate issues as its top priority to conserve the environment.