Understanding India's 2024 Environmental Performance Index

Understanding the Environmental Performance Index (EPI)

The Environmental Performance Index (EPI) is a comprehensive measure developed by Yale and Columbia Universities in partnership with the World Economic Forum. This index evaluates the environmental performance of countries based on multiple criteria, including air quality, water and sanitation, biodiversity and habitat, climate change, and energy management.

India's Ranking in the EPI 2024

In the 2024 EPI, India ranks a concerning 176th, highlighting the pressing environmental challenges the nation faces. Here are some critical aspects of India's performance:

• Air Quality: India is placed 177th in air quality, slightly ahead of Nepal, Bangladesh, and Pakistan.
• Emissions: Projected emissions by 2025 rank India at 172nd, reflecting significant pollution issues.
• Biodiversity and Habitat: Due to data limitations, a full assessment is complex; however, current trends indicate a need for improvement.
• Climate Change: India's ranking has improved to 133rd, attributed to its commitment to achieving net-zero emissions by 2070 and ongoing investments in renewable energy sources.
• Transboundary Pollution: India remains the largest emitter of transboundary pollution in South Asia, posing serious regional environmental threats.

Strategies to Improve Environmental Performance

Addressing these challenges requires a multi-faceted approach. Here are key strategies to enhance India's environmental performance:

1. Accelerate Transition to Clean Energy: There is an urgent need to reduce dependency on coal and boost investments in renewable energy sources.
2. Enhance Air Quality: Implementing stricter regulations and advanced technologies can significantly lower air pollution levels.
3. Biodiversity Conservation: Strengthening efforts to protect and restore habitats and biodiversity is essential for sustainable development.
4. Sustainable Investment: An estimated $160 billion annually is required to achieve net-zero emissions by 2070, prioritizing sustainable development initiatives.

India's journey toward a sustainable future demands substantial investment and a steadfast commitment to transforming its energy and environmental policies.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. What is the Environmental Performance Index (EPI)?
Answer: The EPI is a measure that ranks countries based on their environmental performance in areas such as air quality, biodiversity, and climate change policies.

Q2. Why is India's EPI ranking significant?
Answer: India's low EPI ranking points to critical environmental challenges, necessitating urgent policy changes and sustainable practices to improve performance.

Q3. How can India improve its air quality?
Answer: Implementing stricter regulations, adopting clean technologies, and reducing emissions from industrial and vehicular sources are essential steps.

Q4. What investments are needed for India's sustainable development?
Answer: India requires about $160 billion annually to fund initiatives aimed at achieving net-zero emissions and promoting sustainable development by 2070.

Q5. What are the environmental challenges India faces?
Answer: Major challenges include poor air quality, high pollution levels, loss of biodiversity, and significant emissions contributing to climate change.

UPSC Practice MCQs

Question 1: What is India's rank in the Environmental Performance Index (EPI) 2024?
A) 150th
B) 176th
C) 133rd
D) 177th
Correct Answer: B

Question 2: Which area did India rank lowest in the EPI 2024?
A) Climate Change
B) Biodiversity
C) Air Quality
D) Water and Sanitation
Correct Answer: C

Question 3: What is India's commitment regarding net-zero emissions?
A) By 2025
B) By 2030
C) By 2040
D) By 2070
Correct Answer: D

Question 4: What is a significant source of pollution in India?
A) Agriculture
B) Industrial emissions
C) Household waste
D) Transportation
Correct Answer: B

Question 5: Which strategy is essential for improving biodiversity in India?
A) Urbanization
B) Habitat restoration
C) Industrialization
D) Deforestation
Correct Answer: B