9 COLOMBIA HDI: 0.727 (High) HPI: 40.7 (3rd) GGE: 3.75 NSC: N/A
10 VIETNAM HDI: 0.683 (Medium) HPI: 40.3 (5th) GGE: 2.66 NSC: N/A
Despite having the lowest HDI rank on our list, Vietnam has already obtained one of the world’s highest Happy Planet Index rankings. Rather than developing at any cost and then seeking to undo the resulting environmental damage, the country has achieved sustainability at the outset with high investment in renewable energy and anaerobic technology for electricity generation.
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August 2017
Despite little investment in solar energy, Colombia – one of just a few of the Americas countries to rank – has been able to achieve high development with low greenhouse gas emissions, a feat made possible by its abundant hydroelectric resources which provides 70% of the country’s power. The government has also made massive commitments to the creation of national parks and green spaces. Some building works have replaced steel with bamboo, which has proven just as durable. This has allowed the country to achieve swift economic growth while maintaining a high Happy Planet Index score.