Brazil, India have “greenest” lifestyle; US trails

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2008-05-18 22:37

Geo Energy Network
Chaguanas, TX

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From: CorporateResponsibility.net; Mongabay.com

Inhabitants of Brazil and India have the world’s most environmentally-sustainable lifestyle and Americans have the least, according to a new study tracking global attitudes towards consumption and the environment. The survey by the National Geographic Society establishes a “Greendex” - an index measuring the economic impact of consumer lifestyle choices - in four key areas: housing, transportation, food and goods. Researchers noted that the lifestyles of people in developing countries tend to have fewer adverse effects on the environment than people in developed countries. Inhabitants of developing countries are more likely to live in smaller homes, own relatively few appliances, and walk, cycle or use public transportation. However, the index rankings could change as growing economic prosperity allows consumers to spend more.

Below are the fourteen nations surveyed in order of how “green” they are:

1. Brazilians
2. India
3. Chinese
4. Mexicans
5. Hungarians
6. Russians
7. British
8. Germans
9. Australians
10. Spanish
11. Japanese
12. French
13.Canadians
14. Americans

The study suggested that people can lower their “Greendex” by eating less meat and drinking less bottled water; ensuring their houses are energy efficient and keeping the heat and air conditioning at lower settings; owning less televisions and computers; and driving less and using more mass transit.

Sources:

http://www.corporateresponsibility.net/2008/05/11/brazil-india-have-greenest-lifestyle-us-trails/

http://news.mongabay.com/2008/0509-hance_survey.html

2008-05-19 17:03

Geo Energy Network
Chaguanas, TX

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National Geographic's Garcia discusses new index tracking consumer action on climate

I noticed while browsing other websites, that there seems to be some uncertainty about the meaning of the survey results, and what they signify (especially the “country rankings”), so here is National Geographic’s Terry Garcia explanation of the “Greendex 2008”:

http://www.eenews.net/tv/most_watched/800/

The survey was intended to provide a snapshot on consumer lifestyle choices (house size, energy efficiency of appliances, meat consumption, bottled water, usual transport means, etc.), as well as general attitudes towards environmental issues – not about the energy or environment performance of the country as a whole.

It’s about the consumer behaviour of the people and the sustainability of their lifestyle, regardless of the individual government policies, etc. They intend to repeat these Greendex rankings each year to obtain trends on the lifestyle sustainability / consumer choices in the different countries.

2008-05-23 22:18

Frank K
Colorado Springs, CO

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It is interesting to note that the more industrialized countries are at the bottom of the Greendex for sustainability of lifestyles. James Kunstler in his book The Long Emergency portrays a rather pessimistic and brutal scenario for the sustainability of life styles in America suburbia following “peak oil”. While some might view his prognostications as alarmist, it would be foolish to not take heed of his warnings. A concerted campaign by everyone to improve our Greendex may soften the impact, but ultimately it will be simple economics that forces a change of life styles. Are the early signs of peak oil now being felt with $4.00 a gallon gasoline? Are we entering the early stages of the Long Emergency? As Kunstler said: “Life in the Long Emergency will be about staying where you are”.

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