News: Environmental Performance Index (EPI) 2026 released by Yale University and Columbia University.

About

• Assesses 177 countries using 47 indicators.
• Assessment Pillars → Ecosystem Vitality: 45%, Climate Change Mitigation: 30%, Environmental Health: 25%

Key Highlights

• Top Rank → Estonia.
• Followed by Luxembourg and the United Kingdom.
• European countries dominated the top positions.

India's Performance

• Rank: 176/177 (ahead of only Laos); last in South Asia.
• Score: 22.46.
• Climate Change Mitigation: 130th.
• Ecosystem Vitality: 171st.
• Environmental Health: 174th.
• Air Quality: 175th globally.
• Positive Trend: Recorded a +7.47 improvement over the last decade.

Reasons for Low Ranking

• Severe urban air pollution.
• Coal-dependent power generation.
• Weak biodiversity conservation.
• Tree-cover loss in biodiversity-rich areas

India's Concerns with EPI

• Per-capita emissions not adequately considered.
• Ignores CBDR-RC (Common but Differentiated Responsibilities and Respective Capabilities).
• Questions the validity and weighting of some indicators.
• Uniform benchmarks overlook the developmental needs of developing countries.