5 Countries Setting A Green Example (And What We Can Learn From Them)

Global warming is having a progressively damaging effect on our planet and climate change is a massive environmental issue that we all face. A recent scientific report warned that rising temperatures could cause severe flooding, droughts, food shortages, and wildfires by 2040 unless immediate action is taken. It is time for us all to step up and take action to protect the planet for future generations. Fortunately, many countries are leading the way towards a more sustainable future by making positive contributions to the planet. Here are five countries setting a green example and what we can learn from them.

Iceland is considered one of the greenest countries in the world due to its impressive variety of green programmes designed to lower energy demand, maximise the use of renewable energy, and reduce waste. Iceland is also famous for being the first country in the world to generate 100% of its electricity supply from renewables. Along with this landmark, Iceland has made huge progress in reducing carbon emissions in major cities through various forward-thinking environmental incentives.

Denmark is ranked as the greenest country in the world by the 2020 Environmental Performance Index (EPI). The country has earned this ranking as a result of its efficient greenhouse gas emission policies and its efforts to prevent and fight the effects of climate change. The Danish government has pledged to use 100% renewable energy by 2020 and currently generates large volumes of electricity from renewable sources like solar and wind. The country set a goal to have 200 MW of photovoltaics by 2020. This goal was achieved an impressive eight years early, in 2012. Rooftop solar PV systems enable companies to utilise the sun’s energy and generate their own clean energy on-site, thus reducing CO2 emissions. Another great benefit of commercial solar panels is that it provides electricity generated at around one-third of the price of grid-supplied. Denmark’s government has made solar power a top priority and has been offering subsidised installation costs, to help make solar panels more affordable and attractive to businesses and homeowners.

Norway is ranked as the top country in the world when it comes to making contributions to the planet and climate, according to the Good Country Index. This is largely due to the countries impressive number of environmental incentives. This includes the highest electric car adoption in the world and a government pledge to be climate neutral by 2030. Spending time outdoors is a big part of Norwegian culture and extensive forest land has been conserved around the country’s capital, Oslo. In 2019, Oslo was named the European Green Capital as a result of efforts to restore waterways, invest in cycling and public transportation, and for its innovative approach to climate budgeting.

4. Germany

Germany is another country leading the way in the renewable energy sector. Germany has been amongst the world’s top generators of solar and wind power since it was first introduced in the country in 1991. There are now an impressive 1.8 million solar panel systems installed in Germany, making it one of the biggest solar power generators in the world. The German government has placed a special focus on expanding the use of renewable energies and increasing energy efficiency across the country.

A recent survey found that 90% of Australian consumers are concerned about environmental sustainability and willing to pay a premium for eco-friendly products. As a result, Australian companies are taking steps to make their business sites and operations more sustainable. A sunny year-round climate has resulted in a rapidly growing solar industry and Australia is now one of the leading producers of solar power in the world. Many Australian businesses are recognising the various environmental and cost-saving benefits of solar and having rooftop solar PV systems installed to generate clean electricity on site. Government schemes to support the uptake of renewable energy mean that the Australian solar industry is expected to grow by almost 20% by 2025.

Modern society has come at a huge environmental cost - temperatures are rising, polar ice is melting, landfills are filled to the brim, and oceans are saturated with plastic waste and rubbish. Scientists warn that there will be irreversible damage to our planet if we don’t take drastic measures to fight climate change. Governments, organisations, and individuals must all take action before it’s too late. The UK is already making strides to reduce our impact on climate change and our customers are already making a huge difference by reducing their own carbon footprint significantly. We’ve got a lot to learn from countries like Iceland and Denmark who this year will see themselves move to 100% renewable energy. In the UK we can do it too. We’ve plenty of roof space to support the move to 100 renewables and as energy storage options become more advance the UK will become one of these leaders.  For advice and information on how your business to a more sustainable cheaper future, contact us (link to contact page)