Overcrowding in Popular Destinations Overcrowding in Popular Destinations (image credits: wikimedia) In recent years, Spain has experienced record-breaking numbers of tourists, with more than 83 million arrivals in 2023 according to the Instituto Nacional de Estadística. Cities like Barcelona and regions like the Balearic Islands are struggling to cope with the crowds, leading to scenes …
Sophia Reed, M.Sc. Economics
Bhutan: The Carbon Negative Nation Bhutan: The Carbon Negative Nation (image credits: unsplash) Bhutan stands out on the world stage for its unwavering commitment to environmental conservation. The country absorbs more carbon dioxide than it emits, making it officially carbon negative. In 2025, Bhutan continues to enforce its “high-value, low-impact” tourism policy, which requires visitors …
1. Japan: The Pinnacle of Cleanliness 1. Japan: The Pinnacle of Cleanliness (image credits: wikimedia) Japan is renowned for its immaculate streets and public spaces, a testament to its cultural emphasis on cleanliness and respect for the environment. According to a 2024 survey by the Japan Cleanliness Association, 95% of Japanese citizens believe that maintaining …
Bhutan: The Carbon Negative Nation Bhutan: The Carbon Negative Nation (image credits: unsplash) Bhutan stands out globally for its ambitious environmental strategies, having achieved carbon-negative status since 2015. Over 70% of Bhutan’s land is covered by forests, which act as a massive carbon sink and help the country absorb more carbon dioxide than it emits. …
India: A Struggle with Pollution India: A Struggle with Pollution (image credits: pixabay) India is grappling with a pollution crisis that has become impossible to ignore. The World Air Quality Report 2023 paints a stark picture—22 of the 30 most polluted cities worldwide are in India, with Delhi often holding the dubious honor of being …
Finland: The Cleanest Nation Finland: The Cleanest Nation (image credits: pixabay) Finland stands at the pinnacle of cleanliness worldwide, securing an impressive 86.5 on the 2024 Environmental Performance Index (EPI). The country’s waste management practices are astounding, with a 99% recycling rate for municipal waste, setting a near-unmatched global standard. Finnish cities are known for …
Finland: The Pinnacle of Happiness Finland: The Pinnacle of Happiness (image credits: unsplash) Finland stands at the very top of the World Happiness Report 2024, boasting a remarkable happiness score of 7.8 out of 10. The country’s unique blend of social trust, robust welfare systems, and stunning natural beauty creates an environment where contentment thrives. …
1. Sweden: A Leader in Sustainability 1. Sweden: A Leader in Sustainability (image credits: unsplash) Sweden has long been at the forefront of environmental sustainability, setting ambitious goals and implementing effective policies to achieve them. By 2024, the country achieved a remarkable milestone, with wind power surpassing nuclear energy in electricity production for the first …
1. Patagonia: Leading the Charge in Ethical Fashion 1. Patagonia: Leading the Charge in Ethical Fashion (image credits: unsplash) Patagonia remains a trailblazer in sustainable fashion, consistently pushing boundaries with its bold environmental leadership. As of 2024, the company has donated over $100 million to environmental causes through its 1% for the Planet pledge, a …
The Overcrowding Dilemma The Overcrowding Dilemma (image credits: pixabay) Barcelona stands as a powerful example of a city overwhelmed by its own popularity. In 2023, the city welcomed around 30 million tourists, a number that dwarfs its population of just 1.6 million. This surge has created daily congestion in historic neighborhoods like the Gothic Quarter, …