Environmental Performance Index (EPI) 2026 – UPSC Quick Notes

Environmental Performance Index (EPI) 2026 – UPSC Quick Notes

What is EPI?

• EPI (Environmental Performance Index) is a biennial (every two years) global ranking that measures countries’ environmental performance.
• It is prepared by the Yale Center for Environmental Law & Policy and the Center for International Earth Science Information Network (CIESIN).

EPI 2026 at a glance

• Countries covered: 177
• Indicators: 47
• Issue categories: 12
• Three broad objectives:
  • Environmental Health
  • Ecosystem Vitality
  • Climate Change

India’s Performance

• Rank: 176th out of 177 countries
• Score: 22.46
• Position: Second-last globally (ahead of only Laos).

India’s performance by major pillars

• Environmental Health: 174th
• Ecosystem Vitality: 171st
• Climate Change: 130th (comparatively better performance).

Why did India rank low?

Major challenges identified include:

• Poor air quality
• Biodiversity and ecosystem degradation
• Forest and habitat loss
• Pollution and waste management issues
• Environmental health concerns

Top-performing country (2026)

• Estonia ranked 1st globally.

UPSC Prelims Facts

• Full form: Environmental Performance Index (EPI)
• Frequency: Biennial
• Prepared by: Yale Center for Environmental Law & Policy & CIESIN (Columbia Climate School)
• Purpose: Measures countries’ progress towards environmental sustainability using multiple indicators.