TODAY -

Top 10 Environment-Green Countries
Looking Far Beyond into Future Visions

Prof Jodha C Sanasam *

Picturesque Green foothill of Manipur
Picturesque Green foothill of Manipur :: Pix - Lunminthang Haokip



Iceland tops in the list of 10 greenest countries in the world. Finland is the country where the sense of civility and regard for human rights are highest. These two countries might not top in the list of the most advanced countries; but peace and hope for future posterity definitely prevails in them in the greatest sense of the term. 'Going Green' has become the new fad of the world in the present century, kudos to the new perception and positive way of thinking.

In eco-friendly or environment-friendly countries people are driving hybrid cars, using solar and wind power for various electrical systems and devices; and are recycling and cleaning with 'green' products. All these countries in some way or another have found ways to reduce their carbon dioxide and sulfur emissions, which leads to cleaner air and water. The top 10 greenest countries were graded according to each country's Environmental Performance Index (EPI) rating, which is provided by the Yale University.

1. Iceland (EPI- 93.5)

Iceland tops the list of being the greenest country. Though a pretty small island, said to be one of the most beautiful countries in the world featuring glaciers, volcanoes and plenty of waterfalls, because of its location, Iceland has focused on making a huge impact on becoming eco-friendly using its geothermal landscape to utilize clean electricity and heat.

Hydrogen is the most commonly used source for heat and electricity; very soon the country is likely to become the first to be entirely reliant upon this energy source. This hydrogen energy is now used by homeowners and building occupants, as well as by those who develop harmless fuel for transportation.

People get to their destinations in an eco-friendly way by hydrogen-powered buses. For now hydrogen and geothermal power constitutes the 82 percent of its energy sources in this country. Ossur Skarphedinsson, the Minister of Industry and Energy is hoping to make Iceland carbon and oil free by 2050.

2. Switzerland (EPI – 89.1)

Switzerland was number 1 in the top list in 2008; but now it has come down to the second place. In 1914 this country created the first Alpine park located in the Alps and planned to build at least 20 more of such parks. In some cities of this country cars are not allowed; people will be found walking or riding bicycles to get to where they need to go. The country imposes a fee of 1 euro for disposing trash.

A very popular hotel in Switzerland, Badrutt's Palace Hotel, offers discounts to those who arrive at the hotel in a hybrid car. The hotel has an entirely new heating system installed and reduces its carbon output by 80 percent each year; this is their effort towards going green. The new heating system of such hotels and other buildings including schools gets all its energy from a nearby lake.

3. Costa Rica (EPI)

Costa Rica, a country that has set very high goals in order to go green and stay that way, is now at third on the list. In its attempts to be carbon neutral by 2021 the country already utilizes plenty of renewable resources, which is very eco-friendly with less polluting air and water. Many decades long, extensive deforestation had already begun to devastate its environment but now it has made plenty of effort to reduce the destruction of greenery. The government put more efforts to encourage banana plantation and enhance its already well-known produce. Vigorous reforestation program has been taken up; in 2008 itself the country planted over 5 million trees.

4. Sweden (EPI – 86)

Changes started in Sweden in the 1980s itself during the oil crisis. Their goal setting was 2020 when the use of fossil fuel should be totally phased out. More than 28 percent of the energy and resources used in Sweden are renewable and eco-friendly. Hydropower, nuclear power, and wind power are the sources of electricity and other necessities throughout Sweden now. Saw dust is used for heating homes. Many citizens power their cars using methane, which is taken from the entrails of cows; disgusting though, it is green and low cost.

5. Norway (EPI – 81.1)

To be carbon neutral by 2030, for Norway, it seems it is a steep goal. Norway is a country heavily reliant on its oil rigs for export as well as for a source of energy. To achieve their goal they got to make big purchases of carbon offsets. Now the country is planning to cut its total emissions to 40 percent. They are heavily leaning on utilizing railroads more or on other alternative source for fuel.

Diesel fuel users, as it emanates more carbon dioxide, have to pay higher fees. The use of oil-powered heating system is getting banned. The country is now focusing on its great landscape, to hope to reduce deforestation. They are working closely with Sweden.

The rest of the countries in this line are Mauritius, France, Austria, Cuba and Columbia.

When countries are in the race to go green, Manipur, of course its eyes still blind to the things far beyond, has not had a power generation unit of its own yet, so almost no electricity in Manipur so far.

When we are dreaming of a great sea-change of things with the impending 'Look East' drive, we still have no drinking water in the tap even; forget drinking water, no water for face-wash or toilet use.

Which tourist or industrialist would love to come to Manipur: God knows.

When the rest of the world is trying to slice down carbon emitting petrol and diesel and the like we are rapidly increasing the use of vehicles powered by this fossil fuel.

In one way it is a boon in disguise; instead of going for the age-old oil-based electricity we, like the modern go-green countries, also can go for the power generated through solar, wind or nuclear energy and attempt to be modern and eco-friendly. It is sad but unavoidable that we in Manipur are still increasing the number of cars and vehicles day by day emitting more and more carbon dioxide and sulfur fumes on the kind of roads we are driving or riding.

Meghalaya supplies potatoes to Russia for brewing Vodka. Why cannot Manipur supply 'U-Morok' to Mexican hotels at least?

Or develop horticulture of oranges of Tamenglong or lemons and other citrous fruits (like Heithum) of Kachai and go marketing and transporting?

More so to generate electricity to maintain fruits and vegetable processing centres? Everything in the modern age will fail without power, water, and roads and communication.

It is time to think of going green with the new trend of solar power or wind power and may be of nuclear power as auxiliary or stand-by techno-science devices.

But Manipur is unable even to take care of the ferment-fish (Ngaaree) which the state consumes about one ton a day. Phabou Ngaa, of which Ngaaree gets fermented, it is said, is from Mori Gaon near Jagir Road of Nowgong, Assam.

It is also said that to rear Phabou Ngaa is the easiest pisciculture. No Manipuri fisherman, it seems, has tried Phabou Ngaa pisciculture. That is what Manipur is. Then when will there be the vision of going green! Sic.


* Prof Jodha C Sanasam wrote this article for Hueiyen Lanpao (English Edition) as part of "_JCB Digs_"
This article was posted on June 12, 2013



* Comments posted by users in this discussion thread and other parts of this site are opinions of the individuals posting them (whose user ID is displayed alongside) and not the views of e-pao.net. We strongly recommend that users exercise responsibility, sensitivity and caution over language while writing your opinions which will be seen and read by other users. Please read a complete Guideline on using comments on this website.




LATEST IN E-PAO.NET
  • 31st Governor Cup Polo Tournament : Gallery
  • Violence in Manipur 2023-2025 : Timeline
  • PM welcome to Manipur: Feel the reality
  • Kainkhol wins best Social Message Film Award
  • Distortion of facts: Manipur sports movement
  • Govt services reach Manipur's tribal villages
  • 134th Durand Cup Trophies Flag Off
  • COVID-19: Update 05 July 2025 : Manipur
  • How to take care of oily skin in monsoon
  • First-Ever Tripura Esports Championship
  • Konung Kang Chingba #1 : Gallery
  • Manipur Iskcon's 25th Ratha Yatra 2025
  • Native Threshing machine made for farmers
  • COVID-19: Update 04 July 2025 : Manipur
  • Riso Ejang: Youth-led Transformation
  • Include males too in addressing HPV
  • Whispers from the past :: Poem
  • LPU opens permanent outreach centre
  • Raj Bhavan moving on the right track
  • Speculations over PM Modi's visit to state
  • Colonial Knowledge Production in NE #7
  • Make Yourself Visible to Opportunity
  • Orange bowl: tradition with ecological wisdom
  • 10 ways to keep a kitchen garden disease free
  • Between PR, military mandates & AFSPA
  • Allocation fund for MLALAD Fund during PR
  • Denounces Killing of KNA Deputy C-in-C
  • COVID-19: Update 03 July 2025 : Manipur
  • Cases of fake Aadhaar cards
  • Sincere dealing must for stricter Aadhaar
  • Archaeology: Culture of Manipur : Booklet
  • Wanna be a singer? Get Botox
  • A Central institute in Manipur
  • Nagging in the name of love
  • COVID-19: Update 02 July 2025 : Manipur
  • 'Benefits' of Indira's Emergency
  • Social Stigma :: Poem
  • Inking a peace pact: Why, how: SoO quagmire
  • Van Mahotsav under shadow of declining forest
  • 11th Th Kishan Memorial Lecture : Gallery
  • Shinthoibi, Jangvei, Tamphaton : eMing
  • Manipur crisis & the Left media's blind spot
  • COVID-19: Update 01 July 2025 : Manipur
  • Bombom RK : Musclemania Universe NYC
  • The Grief :: Poem
  • Music Concert & Quiz (MCQ) 2.0
  • SoO agreement unlikely to be scrapped
  • Regulating use of plastic carry bags
  • Mera Houchongba @Kangla #4 : Gallery
  • International Day of Yoga @JNMDA : Gallery
  • BD Behring: The inimitable Gentleman I knew
  • Violence in the name of patriotism : Misguided
  • Daily oral vs long-acting injectable for HIV
  • COVID-19: Update 30 June 2025 : Manipur
  • Smile :: Poem
  • Why was President's Rule imposed ?
  • BJP under pressure to forge unity
  • Kang @Leikai in Imphal : Gallery
  • July Calendar for Year 2025 : Tools
  • COVID-19 : A recurring crisis in Manipur
  • DC Kaith and Forestry in Manipur : Book
  • COVID-19: Update 29 June 2025 : Manipur
  • Longing for Peace :: Poem
  • Black badge, slogan protest by peeved scribes
  • Present the true picture before Delhi
  • Pung-Cholom @ Polo Tournament : Gallery
  • Life: A Journey Through Thought & Being
  • Khongjai Hills & Kuki claim to indigeneity
  • Master Time by Managing Information
  • COVID-19: Update 28 June 2025 : Manipur
  • Pride & patriotism in CCpur's army families
  • The Power of Poppy - 87 :: Poem
  • World Decarbonisation Day: green environment
  • Welcome Home - Nganthoi #2 : Gallery
  • Loss of two precious lives from Manipur
  • Balancing civil liberties with public safety
  • COVID-19: Update 27 June 2025 : Manipur
  • Gender equality & human rights are indivisible
  • Stay hydrated this summer season
  • Silent Half of the Sun :: Poem
  • Connecting the dots in the wishlist
  • Assembly record tampering claims by ex-CM
  • The immortal legacy of Pukhramba Kajao
  • International Day against Drug Abuse 2025
  • COVID-19: Update 26 June 2025 : Manipur
  • Black pottery from Ukhrul - tribal heritage
  • Program on "Mission-Drug Free Campus"
  • Play makes a better world
  • Urgent Appeal to the Honourable MLAs
  • Tribal Empowerment Campaign at CCpur
  • Talk doing the round: PM to come
  • 'Emergency' relief for under-fire BJP
  • Golden Jubilee Art Fair @Imphal : Gallery
  • Declaration: Meetei People Convention, Delhi
  • A Flower Among the Rocks :: Review
  • Book Donation Campaign
  • Improved road connectivity boosts livelihoods
  • To Have Great Dreams :: Poem
  • COVID-19: Update 25 June 2025 : Manipur
  • Regret vs Sorry: Technical & moral insight
  • Cocktail of inept Govt, selfish people
  • State trailing others in cleanliness
  • Colonial Knowledge in NE India #6
  • UHI effect & rising temperatures in Manipur
  • Frequent road blockades cripple economy
  • COVID-19: Update 24 June 2025 : Manipur
  • Unite Health with Community health services
  • NSU, Imphal, tops IIRF Ranking 2025
  • Endless conflict :: Poem
  • Pak nobel pish prize for Trump
  • May 3, 2023 - June 24, 2025: Failure of Delhi
  • Hotter days, sudden rainfall no more a rarity
  • "The Great June Uprising" #2 : Gallery
  • How to Build a Career, Lead with Purpose
  • 2nd Foundation Day- Karnataka Meitei Assn
  • COVID-19: Update 23 June 2025 : Manipur
  • NSCN-IM Amnesty threatens to isolate it
  • Sunset :: Poem
  • Intl Yoga Day for a healthier environment
  • Of clogged drains and plastics
  • Poor roads testify Govt indifference
  • Welcome Home - Nganthoi #1 : Gallery
  • The Silent Erosion of Manipuri Language
  • Design health services around people
  • Serene Hills Host Inspiring Int'l Yoga Day
  • COVID-19: Update 22 June 2025 : Manipur
  • Chopper services between Senapati & Imphal
  • High Court Judges interacted with convicts
  • Redyeing the Fabric :: Poem
  • Differences yet to be resolved stand
  • Border fencing rage as solution eludes
  • Radio E-pao: 14 new songs updated
  • Climate Adaptive Agroforestry
  • Manipur overlooked demographic shifts
  • Young designers shine on Fashion Stage
  • COVID-19: Update 21 June 2025 : Manipur
  • International Day of Yoga at Lamphelpat
  • International Day of Yoga at JNMDA
  • The Power of Poppy - 86 :: Poem
  • Keishampat Lairembi Haraoba #1 : Gallery
  • Crisis in Manipur's Contemporary Education
  • Best 8 Performances in Manipuri Cinema
  • Identity: Caught between China & India ?
  • COVID-19: Update 20 June 2025 : Manipur
  • To The Father Who Listens :: Poem
  • How does net suspension affect youths ?
  • Targeting farmers to cripple state's economy
  • The virus is back and spreading
  • Who is afraid of Manipur ?
  • A threatened lily growing at Shirui Hills
  • World Environment Day in Manipur : Gallery
  • Ambubachi Mela at Maa Kamakhya
  • COVID-19: Update 19 June 2025 : Manipur
  • Dolls made from repurposed vegetable refuse
  • Condemns Attack on Farmer & Killing
  • Abhorrent politics of SoO
  • Police arrogance on harmless drivers
  • "The Great June Uprising" #1 : Gallery
  • Solution from Buddhist & Jain perspectives
  • AI sparks employment concerns in Manipur
  • Greatest Foe :: Poem
  • Chief Justice at Relief Camp, Kangpokpi
  • Call for Recognition of a 3rd Category of IDPs
  • Jun 18, 2001- May 3, 2023: Seed of violence
  • Contract scam in hill districts
  • Colonial Knowledge in NE India #5
  • Spaced Out - Panthung Di Kadaaida! : Rvw
  • Condemns the Killing of Abdul Qadir
  • COVID-19: Update 17 June 2025 : Manipur
  • Thoubal aspirant makes Manipur proud
  • Tamenglong hospital brings quality healthcare
  • Chief Justice at Relief Camp, Mayang Imphal
  • Kuki CM & Sixth Schedule
  • Selective protests, selective silence
  • Nailing the culprits need of the hour
  • UK Meetei diaspora run for Myanmar : Gallery
  • Erwin Khundrakpam : NEET-UG 2025 topper
  • Will we rise to #endAIDS challenge or stumble
  • COVID-19: Update 16 June 2025 : Manipur
  • Appeal to Prime Minister: Manipur Crisis
  • Urges Action on Misinformation
  • Condolences : 2 young cabin crew
  • Grateful To Be Alive :: Poem
  • Making bonfire on the roads
  • Aggression yet again, inspite of playing victim
  • Aftermath of flooding @ Khurai #2 : Gallery
  • Zomia, geopolitics, & the struggle for unity
  • COVID-19: Update 15 June 2025 : Manipur
  • Condolences : Demise of 2 Manipuri Girls
  • Manipur unites in grief after Air India tragedy
  • Hail arms recovery as step toward peace
  • Cleanliness Drive at JNIMS Campus
  • Global Wind Day for a clean environment
  • First came the rain, then the heat
  • Rise in Covid-19 cases
  • Thang-Ta Day @Khuman Lampak #3 : Gallery
  • Meetei diaspora in UK runs for Myanmar victim
  • Manipur empower children with disabilities
  • COVID-19: Update 14 June 2025 : Manipur
  • World Blood Donor Day 2025
  • The Power of Poppy - 85 :: Poem
  • A Northeast Gin Makes Its Mark
  • Mera Houchongba @Kangla #3 : Gallery
  • Saluting Nganthoi, Lamnunthem : Joining hand
  • Condolence : Nganthoi & Lamnunthem
  • 50 years of Pebet #2 : Gallery
  • Indo-Naga Talks (From 2012) :: Timeline
  • Colonial Knowledge in NE India #4
  • Namphake Monastery @ Dibrugarh : Gallery
  • Protest @Checkon -AT arrest [Jun 9] : Gallery
  • Protests - AT arrest [Jun 8 night] : Gallery
  • Aftermath of flooding @ Khurai #1 : Gallery
  • /li>
  • Flooding at JNIMS Hospital #2 : Gallery
  • North East NSS Festival @ MU : Gallery
  • 27th Meira Paibi Numit : Gallery
  • Trump's tariff legacy & its global echo
  • Flooding at JNIMS Hospital #1 : Gallery
  • Flooding Imphal East [31 May] #3 : Gallery
  • Flooding Imphal East [31 May] #2 : Gallery
  • Flooding Imphal East [31 May] #1 : Gallery
  • S Nirupama @Miss Universe : Gallery
  • Protesters to Raj Bhavan [May 25]: Gallery
  • Human Chain @Airport road [May 26]: Gallery
  • Miss Shirui Pageant Contestant: Gallery
  • 48 hrs Bandh: protest security forces: Gallery
  • Protest Rally: Journalist harassment: Gallery
  • HSLC 2025: Full Result (Check Roll No)
  • HSLC 2025: Important Info & Grading System
  • HSLC 2025 : Compartmental candidates
  • HSLC 2025 : Comparative Statement
  • HSLC 2025 : Statistical Abstract
  • HSLC 2025 : District Pass Percentage
  • HSLC 2025 : Govt School Pass %
  • HSLC 2025 : Aided School Pass %
  • HSLC 2025 : Private School Pass %
  • People's Convention on 3rd May #2 : Gallery
  • Featured Front Page Photo 2025 #2: Gallery
  • Riya Khwairakpam : HSE Science Topper
  • Keisham Hannah : HSE Arts Topper
  • Warepam Lidia : HSE Commerce Topper
  • HSE 2025 Result : Science Full Result
  • HSE 2025 Result : Arts Full Result
  • HSE 2025 Result : Commerce Full Result
  • HSE 2025 Information / Abbreviation
  • HSE 2025 Topper : Science
  • HSE 2025 Topper : Arts
  • HSE 2025 Topper : Commerce
  • HSE 2025 : Pass Percentage
  • HSE 2025 : Result Abstract
  • HSE 2025 : Candidates with Highest Marks
  • Ougri Lirol :: Part 1 : Ooba Video
  • President's Rule in Manipur : 1967 - 2025
  • Downloadable Manipuri Calendar :: 2025