Greenest of them all

Switzerland is the most environmentally friendly country in the world, according to a study by two universities in the United States.

The 2008 Environmental Performance Index measures 25 indicators in areas including emissions, water quality and environmental policies. It was compiled by researchers at Columbia and Yale universities.

The report linked good environmental performance to wealth. It said sound public policy and in the case of developing countries, good governance, were also factors that accounted for high rankings.

Researchers encouraged countries to focus more on environmental data when forming policies.

“One reason for Switzerland receiving its ranking is its public transport system,” said Daniel Esty of Yale University.

But he added there was still room for improvement in the area of land use. High farm subsidies encouraged the overuse of manure for fertilising, Esty said.

Sweden ranked second, followed by Norway, Finland and Costa Rica. Germany and Britain ranked just outside the top ten. The US came 39th – “a national disgrace”, according to Gus Speth, dean of the Yale School of Forestry and Environmental Studies.