Davos 2014 - Launch of the Environmental Performance Index 2014

TL;DR

• The 2014 Environmental Performance Index rates countries on various environmental challenges, highlighting the importance of data and policy for sustainable progress.

Transcript

well good afternoon ladies and gentlemen thank you very much for joining us here today for this uh it's our first press conference of today Saturday the 25th of January thank you also to our audience who are watching this live on our webcasting platform now it's uh it's with great July to have to say it's been it's been a real um standout year for ... Read More

Key Insights

• 💱 Environmental initiatives have been prominent at the annual meeting, emphasizing collaboration and pledges to tackle climate change.
• 😜 The 2014 EPI ranks countries on environmental challenges, showcasing the link between environmental performance and economic investment climate.
• 💄 Countries like China are making efforts to improve environmental performance through investments in renewables and emissions reduction.
• 🙈 Sustainable progress requires clear policy targets, regular measurements, and effective policy mechanisms, as seen in the contrasting success of water quality compared to air quality indicators.

Questions & Answers

Q: What is the purpose of the 2014 Environmental Performance Index?

The 2014 EPI assesses countries' success in addressing environmental challenges like public health, pollution, and ecosystem health, aiding governments in policymaking and tracking progress.

Q: How has the coverage of the Environmental Performance Index evolved over the years?

The 2014 EPI ranks 178 countries, reflecting 99% of the world's population, 98% of land area, and 97% of global GDP, showing an expanded coverage for drawing Global Environmental Trends.

Q: How does the Environmental Performance Index impact investors' decisions?

The EPI correlates environmental performance with investment climate, indicating that countries with sound environmental policies attract more foreign investments, showcasing the importance of sustainability in economic decisions.

Q: What is the significance of China's performance in the Environmental Performance Index?

Despite challenges like poor air quality, China has made strides in reducing emissions and investing in renewable energy, demonstrating potential for environmental improvement amid rapid development.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Environmental initiatives were emphasized at the annual meeting, including tackling climate change and driving momentum for U.N. climate talks.

• The 2014 Environmental Performance Index (EPI) ranks countries on environmental challenges, with Switzerland leading and Somalia performing the worst.

• Strong environmental performance is achievable without sacrificing economic growth, but challenges remain in areas like fisheries and forests.