# 2026 Environmental Performance Index: Europe Leads in Sustainability More effort needed to achieve net-zero emissions target. - **Source:** [Phys.org - latest science and technology news stories](https://brifing.si/source/8b0f98da-d179-4c93-871f-7ac460bf9c61) - **Published:** 2026-07-18 - **Topic:** [Business](https://brifing.si/c/business) - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/772a0975-0d47-4082-bf6e-ff5d9f6ede1b ## Environmental Leaders Identified According to the 2026 Environmental Performance Index, European countries lead the world in sustainability. The index, a joint project by Yale and Columbia universities, provides a detailed assessment of countries' environmental policies and practices. ## Slow Progress on Net-Zero Target The report reveals insufficient global progress toward the 2050 net-zero emissions target. Most countries' current policies and practices fall short of this ambitious goal, highlighting the need for more decisive action. ## Stagnation in Pollution Control Index data shows slowing progress in areas like air and water pollution control. A similar stagnation trend is evident in natural resource management, raising concerns about environmental protection efforts. ## Comparative Country Analyses The EPI evaluates countries' environmental performance across 40+ indicators. This comprehensive dataset reveals national strengths and weaknesses, serving as a guide for policymakers worldwide. ## Sustainable Development Goals The index directly connects to the UN's Sustainable Development Goals. The report issues an urgent call to action and shares best practice examples to accelerate progress toward these critical objectives. ## Critical Warning for the Future Experts warn that current trends could deepen the climate crisis. The report emphasizes the need for increased investment in energy transition and green technologies to prevent environmental degradation. ## Sources covering this story - https://phys.org/news/2026-07-environmental-index-highlights-sustainability-gains.html — --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._