Who publishes it
The EPI is published by Yale and Columbia Universities (Yale Center for Environmental Law & Policy), in collaboration with the World Economic Forum.
What it measures
The EPI ranks countries across broad policy categories — climate change mitigation, environmental health (air quality, sanitation, drinking water), and ecosystem vitality (biodiversity, forests, fisheries, agriculture) — using dozens of indicators.
India and the criticism
India has often ranked low on the EPI; the government has contested the methodology (especially the heavy weight on projected GHG trajectories, which it argues penalises developing countries and ignores equity/per-capita emissions). It links to debates on climate justice and CBDR.
UPSC angle
Know EPI = Yale & Columbia; categories — climate mitigation, environmental health, ecosystem vitality; India ranks low and contests the methodology (GHG-trajectory weight; equity/CBDR concerns).
Frequently asked questions
Who publishes the Environmental Performance Index?
Yale and Columbia Universities.
What does the EPI measure?
Climate change mitigation, environmental health and ecosystem vitality across many indicators.
Why has India criticised the EPI?
It contests the methodology, especially the weighting of projected GHG trajectories, arguing it ignores equity and per-capita emissions.
How does the EPI relate to climate policy?
It links to debates on climate justice and Common But Differentiated Responsibilities.