Recently I read some interesting article/reports which I wish to share with you all...This is regarding performance of various countries on their much discussed/published efforts on protecting our environment. Hope you will find this interesting....

The Environmental Performance Index (EPI) is a method of quantifying and numerically marking  the environmental performance of a country's policies. This index was developed by Yale University, first published in 2002. The Environmental Performance Index (EPI) is constructed through the calculation and aggregation of 20 indicators reflecting national-level environmental data. These indicators are combined into nine issue categories, each of which fit under one of two overarching objectives (Ref : http://epi.yale.edu/our-methods).

The 2014 Environmental Performance Index (EPI) ranks 178 countries on how well they perform on high-priority environmental issues in two broad policy areas: protection of human health from environmental harm and protection of ecosystems. This includes drinking water and sanitation.
I am delighted to see United Arab emirates (UAE) ranked 25th. ahead of USA, but at the same time, felt very bad to note that India is at 155th. rank among 178 countries surveyed (http://epi.yale.edu//epi/country-rankings).

Switzerland leads the world in addressing environmental challenges, according to the 2014 Environmental Performance Index (EPI). Luxembourg, Australia, Singapore, and Czech Republic round out the top five positions of the Index, which ranks countries on high-priority environmental concerns including air quality, water management, and climate change.
Top five performers
1. Switzerland
Switzerland is the top performer on the 2014 EPI, with high marks in Biodiversity and Habitat Protection, and Climate and Energy.
Switzerland achieved the highest possible score for protected terrestrial areas. In terms of climate change, Switzerland has substantially reduced the carbon intensity of its economic growth, with over half its domestic electric production from hydropower plants and another 40 percent from nuclear.
2. Luxembourg
At roughly $114,232 USD per capita, Luxembourg is the second richest country in the world with one of the smallest populations of all European Union countries. As a wealthy country, Luxembourg performs well on environmental health indicators, providing 100 percent Access to Drinking Water and Access to Sanitation.
3. Australia
Achieved excellent target scores in many policy categories. Australia performed poorly in Climate and Energy because of its reliance on coal.
4. Singapore
As a small island nation with a population of over 5 million but a land area of only 671 square kilometers, Singapore has been forced to focus on efficient resource consumption and reuse. Given its limited geography, Singapore has undertaken robust, integrated and long-term land use planning measures and is a recognized, international leader on sustainable development.
5. Czech Republic 
Mostly surrounded by mountains, the Czech Republic maintains impressive protection for public lands. Nearly 14 percent of the country is designated a protected landscape area, and 1.52 percent is designated a national park. As a result of these policies, along with an article in its constitution that ensures "the protection of natural resources," the Czech Republic scores high in Biodiversity and Habitat Protection, ranking 13th in the world.