The 5 Greenest Nations & Environmental Policy's Link to Human Rights

This week, I've chosen to count down the 5 most eco-friendly nations! This list is based on the prevalence of water/air pollution and environmental burden of disease, as well as forestry practices, chemical emmissions, and agricultural practices. So, without further ado, THE 5 GREENEST NATIONS!

1- Iceland: This is a nation that has carefully preserved its volcanoes, glaciers, and waterfalls.

It relies on sustainable geothermal energy and hydrogen energy (which it hopes to use exclusively). All citizens have access to clean water, large quantities of the terrestrial and marine ecosystems are protected. Most importantly, Iceland has a low reliance on coal and oil (and soon it will no longer use any coal or oil). This scale of clean energy and responsible stewardship makes Iceland the MOST eco-friendly nation in the world.

2- Costa Rica: Another nation that plans to become carbon neutral in the near future, Costa Rica is second on the countdown. This nation has done a fabulous job of maintaining its

beautiful ecosystems. Costa Rica knows the vitality of its rainforest as a resource and it has gone to great lengths to preserve its national treasure. The result? Stunning biodiversity, a successful tourism industry, and a glowing example of sustainability that Costa Ricans can take pride in.

3- Switzerland: Since the beginning of the 1900's, Switzerland has been taking the preservation

initiative. They created the Alps' first Alpine park. To cut down on carbon emission, a few Swiss towns have completely banned the use of cars. Other carbon reduction efforts include hydrolic energy heating systems in hotels, homes, and schools. There are fees to dispose of trash, encouraging citizens to cut down on waste and recycle.

4- Sweden: This is a nation dedicated to environmental responsibility in both word and action. The Swedish government has made plans to become fossil-fuel dependent, and has acted on this plan. Their fossil fuel use has declined by 30 percent. Furthermore, Sweden's cars are powered

by methane from cow dung, which is a cheap and sustainable

substitution for gasoline. Finally, Sweden recognizes the importance of productive use of resources-industries use

sawdust from logging to create wood pellets that can heat homes. This nation's focus on clean energy use is a signal of hope in an increasingly alarming energy situation.

5- Mauritius: This tiny African island nation has been working towards groundbreaking

environmental policies. Its remote location and position as an island presents challenges to environmental stewardship, but the government is committed to treating their resources and ecosystems in a responsible, sustainable manner. Their innovative waste management system includes the clean burning of solid matter, a cleaner alternative to dumping garbage. Mauritius uses its bounty of water for energy, as well as utilizing wind power and sugar cane plants for renewable energy. This African nation's determination to respect the Earth is a fantastic attitude that will hopefully be mirrored by surrounding areas.

What about the link to human rights?

The green rating of a nation is not usually thought to reflect human rights, but there is a tie-in. Consideration for the beauty and sustainability of a society often reflects a respect for the rights of that society's citizens. Environmental sustainability also shows that a nation is willing to spend a considerable amount of time and money to create a more beautiful, long-lasting society that citizens and members of the international community are free to enjoy. This shows that the government is willing to fund projects that make peoples' lives easier and more enjoyable, often indicating a nation in which citizens enjoy rights and liberties.

Microfinance: A World of Opportunity

One of my favorite books, Half the Sky: Turning Oppression Into Opportunity for Women Worldwide, introduced me to the concept of microfinance and its potential to absolve poverty while elevating the status of women. Before discussing microfinancing's implications in poor communities, however, an introduction is necessary.

In essence, microfinance consists of the provision of loans to low-income individuals that lack access to traditional banking. These loans can be used to expand pre-existing family business (like a farm) or establish independent small businesses. Well-organized micro-financing operations have been extremely successful in breaking clients out of poverty. Muhammad Yunus, Microfinancing guru and founder of Grameen Bank, claims that about 15% of clients break free of poverty every year have paid back all loans and broken free of poverty each year. The success of this economic empowerment is an incredibly exciting prospect in a developing world. As banking develops microcredit could easily expand at a relatively low cost yielding economic and societal progress.

As a delegate at East Tennessee's annual Model United Nations Conference, I proposed a microcredit pilot program for the Caribbean nation of Trinidad and Tobago. I started my research with the sole intention of economic opportunities for the impoverished; however, I soon discovered that microfinance can be a vehicle for sexual empowerment as well. By restricting membership to only poor women, you are giving females the chance to be financially independent. They no longer rely on spouses and gain more respect and power in their households. This gives women the freedom to demand rights, leave abusive relationships and raise their children the way they see fit.

The United Nations, MIT's Jameel Poverty Action Lab, BBC Business Weekly Program and countless professors and sociologists have conducted research on the implications of microcredit. Their findings have fueled the movement's growing momentum. Each year microfinance expands to new cities and nations, casting a wider net of opportunity. Thankfully, the days of controlling the needy by handing out rations are beginning to fade. Instead aid is becoming focused upon empowerment and economic independence and I couldn't be more excited.