01. Costa Rica:-

Rich Costa Rican Ecology

The Costa Rica government is most aware among all the countries of the world.  The only country without an army and the money they save by doing that is invested in education, environmental and sustainable development. And despite of small size it is among the leaders when it comes to plantation. The most important step their govt. took was establishment of Certification of Sustainable Tourism (CST). Percentage of land area under forest and woodland is 47.

02. Sweden:-

World's 1st Bio Gas Train by Sweden

It was the first European country to enact legislation making provision for national parks. Today Sweden has an almost fossil free energy system – except for the transportation sector. Renewable energy makes up 40 percent of their energy consumption. Since 1990 they managed to increase the share of renewable energy, reducing CO2 emissions by 9 percent. It was a country to introduce a carbon dioxide tax in 1991 putting a high price on CO2 emissions. The government is making attempt to become the world’s first practically oil-free economy by 2020. Sweden also claimed to have the world’s first train running solely on bio gas in 2008. Percentage of land area under forest and woodland is 67.

03. Spain:-

World's largest Solar Farm in Spain

During 2008 alone, solar panels with an estimated total power of 2500MW have been installed in Spain, making it the world’s biggest producer of this kind of alternative energy. Spain generates about 24.5 percent of its electricity through renewable sources. And the world’s largest solar farm is also in Spain reducing almost 42,000 tonnes of carbon emissions per year. The country rescheduled its cross-channel ferries saving up to 1000 tonnes of fuel in 2008. Percentage of land area under forest and woodland is 36.

04. Germany:-

World's 1st eco friendly district in Germany

The country imposed a ban on the use of nuclear power and it is among the leaders when it comes to solar power. Germany may be a world leader in the production of renewable energies. And they have an ambitious target of a 40 percent reduction in carbon dioxide emissions by 2020. The number of roof gardens are increasing across the country at a very fast rate. The govt. has a vision of a country, free of nuclear power by 2020. Percentage of land area under forest and woodland is 32.

05. Brazil:-

Major source of carbon emissions in Brazil

Earlier 75% of the carbon emissions in Brazil were coming from deforestation but due to tougher norms by Brazilian government the deforestation rates have reduced 45.7% from August 2008 to July 2009. This may have reduced carbon emissions to a greater extent, the number is not out yet but it is estimated to be around 75% of the total emissions earlier. Brazilians are the world’s most environmentally friendly drivers -over 80% of them now buy flex cars – designed to run on ethanol, petrol or natural gas. Percentage of land area under forest and woodland is 61.

Hope other governments follow in their foot steps so that the Earth can achieve its goal of cleaner and safer environment real soon!

Useful Resources:

Green Rankings 2009: Methodology

Green Country Rankings

Top 10 Green Countries (PHOTOS)

Green Countries