Topic: Conservation, environmental pollution and degradation.
Q6. What is the Environmental Performance Index (EPI)? Explain its methodology. Discuss its significance in assessing environmental outcomes across countries. (10 M)
Difficulty Level: Medium
Reference: DTE
Why the question
The Environmental Performance Index (EPI) 2026 placed India 176th out of 177 countries, reviving debate on environmental governance, assessment methodologies and sustainable development.
Key Demand of the question
Define the Environmental Performance Index (EPI) and briefly explain its methodology. Then discuss its significance as a tool for assessing environmental outcomes and comparing environmental performance across countries.
Structure of the Answer:
Introduction
Introduce the growing importance of outcome-based environmental assessment in global environmental governance.
Body
- Environmental Performance Index (EPI): Briefly explain what EPI is and its purpose.
- Methodology of EPI: Mention the broad framework used for environmental assessment.
- Significance of EPI: Explain its utility in measuring and comparing environmental outcomes across countries.
Conclusion
Conclude by highlighting the need to use global indices as policy improvement tools while considering national developmental contexts.
