Today I’m presenting to You the list of the most eco- friendly countries in our magnificent world! In present times every single ‚green move’ by governments is appreciated and hope-giving so we, YFTP, want to make sure You guys are aware of actions, which are taken by our rulers. Hope You enjoy it!

How do you measure ‚ecological performance?’, You may ask

Measurments of country’s Environmental Performance Index (EPI), that is scale in which information about ecological performance is provided, are based on many different reports coming from every single country.

Our ranking is based on recent information from 2020

10. GERMANY

Our polish neighbour from the west, one of the most developed countries in Europe. It should not be a surprise that Germany is placed so high. Placed with EPI score of 77.2, Germans proudly represent their country.

They have made many great initiatives, such as: encouraging alternative forms of transportation,  designing consciously (eco-friendly production), conserving energy, The Cogeneration Act (Cogeneration is a method of recovering the heat usually wasted in power generation and putting it to work), charging for bad behavior. There are much more!

9. NORWAY

One of the wealthiest countries in the world. Famous for their fantastic views. Another and not last representative from Europe. With slightly more EPI points than Germany, Norway is placed at 9th position with 77,7. Simple actions such as reusing are most common. The thrift/reuse culture is big in Norway. And as most things, it starts with school books, continues with furniture, clothes and other everyday life stuff. Interesting thing they do is a thing called ‚The pant system’ – rewarding system for recycling. For example, in exchange for old can everyone can get a free soda!

8. SWEDEN

Second Skandynavian country on the list. Covering 8th position with 78,7 EPI points, Sweden does pleasure to the world. For example, Sweden’s shift from oil to district heating in the early 1990’s is perhaps the single most important factor in explaining the country’s reduced greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, both in the housing and service sector. Another thing is sustainability through urban farming, residents share a piece of land cultivated into gardens. Innovative idea is powering buildings through body heat, which is sourced into water that later heats the building.

7. FINLAND

Even tho a couple years ago Finland was placed at 1st position, it still stays high in the ranking. 7th place is not that bad, right? Skandynavian ‚players’ present super good quality. Having 78,9 points, Finland takes such actions: curtailing CO2 emissions (it is already low due to 70% of forestation), cleaning up rivers and lakes, environmentaly friendly fruit and vegies policies.

6. AUSTRIA

So many EU representants, huh? Austria at 6th position with score of 79,6. What do they do? For example, they: create environmental zones in citites (introduced in 6 out of 9 states), intrduced austrian environmental badge, the emissions of particulate matter and nitrogen oxide (NOx) were reduced. In addition, Austra is an active member of EU. They suggest many interesting initiatives to other EU members.

5. FRANCE

Placed at 5th place with a round score of 80 points, France keeps doing splendidly for the Earth. Taking actions such as: creating several environmental agendas, taking care of water pollutions and waste managments. Same as other countries, they reduce as much CO2 as possible. What’s more,  in 2012, the French government passed laws aimed at boosting the country’s car industry based on clean technology.

4. UNITED KINGDOM

Unfortunately, this magnificent country left EU. Even tho, due to long participance time, UK was motivated to develop their evironmental politics and become one of the leading countries in this ranking with 81.3 points. We should start with talking about  Environment Agency (EA), a non-departmental public body sponsored by the United Kingdom government’s Department for Environment. Moreover, 10 years ago the UK passed the Climate Change Act, which binds ministers to cutting at least 80% of emissions by 2050. It has inspired other governments from around the world by proving we can have strong economic growth whilst cutting emissions. Another great thing the UK does, is monitoring amount of waste.

3. SWITZERLAND

Top 3 countries are placed in Europe, which means our continent takes care of the Earth. We should be proud of ourselves. Placed at podium, Switzerland has 81.5 points. Their government has designed and implemented pollution abatement policies with ambitious objectives (rise in average global temperatures below 1.5°C by 2050), having intelligent and educated society leads to country’s high use of sustainable mobility and public transport, which greatly helps the planet. In addition Switzerland has over the years made laws that have allowed farmlands to develop and prevent them from being used for infrastructural expansion.

2. LUXEMBOURG

Being one of the smallest countries in the world doesn’t interfere with being enironmentaly friendly as You see. Taking 2nd place, Luxembourg scored 82.3 points. Despite population growth, Luxembourg was able to develop environmentally and economically. Introducing annual vehicle tax, creating ‚National Plan’ in order to become more sustainable and regularly reporting amount of pollution spread to the environment Luxembourg became one of Europe’s star in terms of ecology!

1. DENMARK

THE WINNER of this ranking – Denmark! With slight advantage over Luxembourgh, Denmark is placed at 1st poisition with score of 82.5 points. No country in the whole world is greener than Denmark. This Skandynavian country has the long-cultivated tradition of sustainability. None of the countries included in this ranking would be here, if they didn’t have tradition for being green. Denmark can be proud of greatly developed climate policy, use of renewable energy, such as biofuels, wind, wave and solar power for over 30 years and low pollution emissions due to the installation of desulphurisation plants and a tax on sulphur emissions.

Conclusion

Our podium shows that being educated is the key to succes in terms of ecology. In tandem with it comes tradition. We live in tough times and we need to react. Being green should slowly start to become our tradition and I hope we will improve even more!

I’m sure every single one of you got at least a little bored during this hard period. I get it, you all want to go outside. However, this is not possible at the moment. How to spend your free time efficiently and productively? Let me tell you!

I FILL UP THE SCHOOL BACKLOG

Sometimes you just don’t feel like studying. We all know how it feels. Unluckily, this may cause some backlog. You obviously need to catch up with the material if you want to pass with flying colors. Quarantine time is the best for catching up, trust me.

II WORKOUT

In my opinion this should be ‚MUST DO’ activity on your list. Firstly, it helps you to keep good mental condition, as well as physic one. For some people staying at one place for such a long time might be problematic, they may go kind of crazy, so mental health is pretty important at the moment. Secondly, you will not get overweight. We have much less physical activity, we don’t exercise regularly, and we eat much more, especially because of boredom. That is why a little exercise can be beneficial.

III SPEND SOME QUALITY TIME WITH YOUR FAMILY

We live such a hectic life nowadays. I understand the fact that we have many activities and studying. But hey, now you are at home right? Just spend some time with your parents, sister or brother. They are your best friends, they will never leave you. Even if, you leave them. Appreciate it, give something from you as well.

IV FILL UP THE FILM/SERIES BACKLOG

During your normal work/school week you don’t have much time for pleasures. You have to keep up to date with your work. Now, when you have much more free time, feel free to watch everything, you planned to watch. It will consume more time than you expect.

V COOK

I recommend this activity especially to people, who hardly ever cook. You know, it is always vivid to be able to prepare a meal for yourself or a person you love. It would be a pleasure for your parents, if from time to time you cooked something for them. I assign cooking to practical knowledge. You should definitely try learning this skill, good luck!

VI DEVELOP YOUR HOBBY

If it comes to me, I spend a lot of my free time developing my guitar skills. But it doesn’t have to be music. Just do whatever you think improves you as a person.

In conclusion, depending on what you like, feel free to do it! This is your time. Just, please, don’t go outside. This is crucial not to break rules set by the government!

While media are going crazy about the topic of the fast spreading corona virus, I thought it would be a tremendous idea to spread optimism. It hurts me miserably to see people waste valuable moments complaining instead of looking for answers or at least searching for the optimism in the situation. Come on, you don’t have to dig deep!

Empty airports, cancelled flights, amid travel restrictions, closed borders and self-isolation orders seem like the end of the world to those who can’t imagine their lives without constant motion. For some this means being unable to reach work destinations or long-awaited vacation hubs.

While most of the world is staying home and committing to numerous personal goals, the world is working hard on recovering from the severe damages caused by mankind.

During the last couple of weeks, the levels of air pollution in cities decreased significantly as people stopped traveling as often. According to the BBC, researchers in New York said early studies have seen carbon monoxide, mainly produced by cars, decrease sharply by nearly 50 per cent compared with 2019.

CO2 emissions have also taken a hit. This means the effects caused by climate change won’t be as visible as they were earlier this year, for example during the Australian fires.

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As you may reckon, the most noticeable differences are occurring in China, Italy and New York City which were forced to take the strictest measures possible.

Fish are returned to the lagoon and canals in Venice due to the absence of cruise ships and tourists. Greenhouse gas emissions are more than a quarter lower than usually. People finally have the time to do all that they complained had no time for – whether it is practicing yoga, painting or spending time with loved ones. We were gifted with time – use it wisely!

A view shows clearer waters by a gondola in a Venice canal on March 17, 2020 as a result of the stoppage of motorboat traffic, following the country’s lockdown within the new coronavirus crisis.

Some social media users are hoping that the coronavirus shutdown could act as an “ecological reset” for the world’s busiest cities.

Nothing lasts forever – definitely not a virus. Everything we have is a blessing. Once our lives return to normal, remember to not take daily activities for granted.

We just received a chance to treat our precious world better. While we watch the environment recover, let’s remember to support it endlessly!

The hottest topic of past 3 months, dominating almost the whole world, thousands of infected people, and hundreds of demises. Who fits this description perfectly? As you probably guessed – CORONAVIRUS

ORIGINS

2019-nCov, the virus’s name, was first identified in Wuhan, China, in December. Most of the people believe it was originated in an illegal street market in that city where animals were sold, obviously in horrific conditions.

There are also some theories of conspiracy about this brand-new virus. In Wuhan is placed military lab, where some people believe virus was produced and kept under control. It broke out by accident, as they say.

SYMPTOMS OF 2019-nCov

How do I know I’m infected? It causes kind of pneumonia, sick people have problem with breathing, often cough and temperature of their body is above 38 degrees Celsius. The biggest problem is that virus may cause illness even after 2 weeks! In that time you can spread it to all of your friends, being oblivious of it.

WHO IS IN THE BIGGEST DANGER?

The older you are, the worse impact the virus can have on you. As you see in the chart below, elderly are the most endangered. It doesn’t mean you can disrespect the possible danger if you’re youth. There were also a couple cases, where a young person ended up dead. Be responsible, think about youself and older members of your family!

HOW CAN I AVOID BEING INFECTED?

The best things you can do in this hard time are:

• Avoid public life – don’t meet in restaurants, cafés, pubs, bars, cinemas, theaters,
• If you feel any sick, stay at home,
• Wash your hands properly,
• Start eating nutritious meals – provide needed vitamins .

And the most important : STAY CALM AND DON’T PANIC.

By the way, here’s a little tutorial about how to wash your hands properly, hope you find it useful:

Did you know that cities which prioritize preserving the environment exist in the world? It’s not always only about making money, like we think it may be!

I would like to introduce you to an example of a so called eco city – Malmo.

Malmo is located in the south of Sweden near to the Oresund Bridge. It’s the third largest city in the Scandinavian country – the population reached 310 000 inhabitants.

So why does this mysterious place deserve a post on YFTP?

Sun, wind and water now rule an area that was once polluted and derelict.

In the past, Malmo used to be an important trade and ship building center as it is situated directly on the coast, very close to a bridge leading to Copenhagen. In 1986 the biggest shipyard company was closed – this lead to predictable economic decline in the discussed region. Next comes the magic – an idea to rejuvenate the city for the European Housing Expo in 2001 was born – hard work on the model of a sustainable city began.

Let’s get to the real stuff – how exactly does an eco city work?

First of all, the supervisors aimed for the city to use 100% of local, renewable resources. They also introduced Heat Pump Energy (special cold and warm wells 70-90m underground that preserve water temperature – they produce 5 million kilowatts of heating and 3 million kilowatts of cooling per year!) Now, that’s a change!
Recycling became a mandatory action in Malmo. Simple trash cans were replaced by special waste-receiving vacuum tubes and all houses were equipped with waste grinders for bio waste! Some individuals argue that this is an extremely holistic approach. What do you think?

Malmo is mostly known for a system of ponds that collect storm water throughout the city – as you can tell all mechanisms are adjusted to the weather conditions. These eye-catching ponds not only serve as recreational green space in the spotless eco-distrcit, but also purity water.

Last but not least, I would like to mention the transportation system in Malmo, Sweden. Eco-friendly buses powered by biogas control the whole city – every vehicle and bus stop is modern. We can expect a bus every five minutes. No waiting – how wonderful!

Residents prove their commitment to the environment – 30-40% of all journeys are made by bike on the 500km of cycleways available on the grounds of Malmo.

Not only is this region planned entirely on eco-principles, but it also strives to meet all needs of the society! I think a magical place like Malmo is very much required in every country in the world – it is a world-class example for sustainable living. Yet first, the population must be willing to make sacrifices.

So, have I convinced you to move yet? Or maybe to start a revolution in your hometown? 🙂

Huge companies that we know really well often don’t care about the Earth, e.g. they spill millions of gallons of oil and chemicals into the oceans. But there are some great companies which actually take care of our beautiful planet. They found new, eco-friendly ways and resources to create their products. Here are a few standout green companies that deserve accolades:

1. NIKE

Almost every single person has something from Nike. This is one of the most popular, mainstream lifestyle companies. For starters, Nike is partnering with NASA and other government agencies to spark innovation in chemistry to green the processing of raw materials into goods. They keep looking for green alternatives. Moreover, Nike often uses post-consumer recycled materials in some of its products, including its 2011 World Cup jerseys. It’s also redesigned its boxes to reduce packaging, committed to eliminating chemical discharges, invested in energy efficiency in its factories and more. 

2. IKEA

I bet you all know this company pretty well. Everyone has their furniture at home. If it comes to being ECO, IKEA’s invested in sustainability throughout its entire business operations, starting with supply chain: 50 per cent of its wood from sustainable foresters and 100 per cent of its cotton from farms that meet the Better Cotton standards, which mandate reduced user of water, energy and chemical fertilisers and pesticides.

3. ADOBE

Adobe was the greenest IT corporation  Newsweek’s 2014 rankings, a well-earned distinction. They are leader in reducing its water use to respond to California’s historic drought, even after it had already reduced its water use by more than 60 per cent since 2000 through means like installing environmentally friendly fixtures and landscaping with native plants. In addition the company has already made some impressive achievements, including obtaining LEED certification for more than 70 per cent of its workspaces, including retrofitting a historic building in San Francisco.

4. PANASONIC

Like many companies, Panasonic has ambitious energy goals, both in terms of efficiency and renewables, and it also focuses on making environmentally friendly products. That’s a really good move. What sets them apart is the way they’ve incorporated sustainability into their day-to-day life. Panasonic non stop wins high marks from experts.

Conclusion

As we see, every of mentioned companies have ambitious plans if it comes to saving Earth. What’s more, they already have some achievemnts, such as reducing use of chemicals, power and water. They improved even though they were eco-friendly. Every single coroporation should take an example of them and take better care of our planet.

Nowadays, teenagers are constantly attacked with poverty, whether it’s homelessness or perhaps major ecological disasters. Although many individuals are touched by such sights, they rarely decide to take action. Words do not hold much meaning without proper actions following behind.

As Youth For The Planet, we have decided to organize a special charity fundraiser. We were touched by what we see in our daily lives – destruction on every corner. As an addition to the educational blog, YFTP is going to be accumulating clothes (counted in kilograms), which will be passed on to AfricaMed – an organization providing help to developing nations struggling with unfortunate penury on the African land. If you are interested in donating press the bottom below!

In this post I’d like to bring up the topic of politics. We can divide people involved in global warming issue in two groups: liberals who advocate drastic action to prevent global warming and conservatives who believe that this matter is completely natural and not preventable. They think we have no control and not enough power to change anything.

LIBERALS

This group folds up mostly out of scientists and environmentalists. Depending on wide spectrum of researches scientists ensure, that we can change the way we live and keep the Earth survivable. Environmentalists believe, we should take better care of the Earth by reducing human use of the Earth’s resources.

CONSERVATIVES

They think that science shows that climate obstacles cyclical occur for Earth, and we should accept that. The only thing we can do is to slow down this process. Some of them, the crazy ones, often have a belief, that global warming is only propaganda of Leftists.

Global warming politics focus areas:

• Adaptation: social and other changes that must be undertaken to successfully adapt to climate change.
• Finance: how countries will finance adaptation to climate change
• Mitigation: steps and actions that the countries of the world can take to mitigate 
• Restoration: steps and actions that the countries of the world can take towards climate restoration to reduce the amount of CO2
• Technology: the technologies that are needed to lower carbon emissions through increasing energy efficiency or replacement
• Loss and damage: countries vulnerable to the effects of climate change may be financially compensated in the future by countries that fail to curb their carbon emissions.

EU POLITICS

We can’t say, that our governments stay passive. All 27 member states of the European Union have ratified the Kyoto Protocol, as has the EU itself. In 2000 the European Climate Change Program was launched to provide a strategy to implement Kyoto: the targets assigned for each member state vary, with western states cutting emissions more than eastern ones – to make an average cut of 8% by 2012, 20% to 30% by 2020 and 50% by 2050. This grate initiative already has many pluses. In addition, all vehicles produced in the EU from 2012 emit less than 120 grams of carbon dioxide per kilometer, which is needed until everyone has electric cars.

How can we, normal people, influence our governments in this case?

The answer is CLIMATE STRIKES

#FridayForFutures is a movement that began in August 2018, after 15 years old Greta Thunberg sat in front of the Swedish parliament every school day for three weeks, to protest against the lack of action on the climate crisis. People felt inspired…

Global Climate Strike happened on 20th of September in 2019. It was probably the biggest manifestation in history. According to 350.org,  more than 4 million people worldwide took part in it. This number shows, how many people are into global warming case. Sometimes demands of the strike can be rejected or not listened, but remember that the world appreciates all your effort.