In the past year, a series of global natural disasters resulted in $306 billion in economic losses, according to a recent report from Sigma. In the U.S. alone, 17 storms racked up an estimated $200 billion in property damage, according to a report from National Geographic.
Not all U.S. states, however, are responding the same way to the potential threats of climage change and other environmental issues.
In a new ranking, WalletHub has compared all U.S. states on their green policies, using 23 metrics ranging from solid waste disposal policies to renewable energy production and consumption..
Here is a list of the top 10 most environmentally friendly states in ascending order:
10. California
In 2012, in the state of California, Gov. Edmund G. Brown Jr. issued an order that would require all state departments to reduce water use by 20 percent by the year 2020. Most recent data shows the state has already met and surpassed that goal, according to data from the State of California.
9. Rhode Island
Rhode Island is so committed to preserving the environment, one town is permanently banning balloons. In New Shoreham, residents voted unanimously against the sale and the use of balloons in the town to protect the shore side and ocean from unnecessary litter and pollution, according to a 2018 report from CNN.
8. New Hampshire
New Hampshire ranked third overall for having the most LEED-certified buildings per capita. The LEED, or Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design certification, is a system that rates buildings based on their efficiency and public health consciousness.
7. Connecticut
Connecticut ranked number one in climate change initiatives. The strategy is a plan to increase renewable energy production and reduce use of non-renewable resources.
6. Minnesota
Minnesota ranked second in highest soil quality. The state has one of the fastest-growing agricultural producing markets in the U.S., according to data from the United States Department of Agriculture.
5. South Dakota
Nearly three-quarters of all electricity generated in South Dakota comes from hydroelectric power.. The state also has one of the largest wind resources in the nation, according to a 2018 report from the U.S. Energy Information Administration.
4. New York
New York has the lowest energy consumption rate per capita, according to the study. This year, in celebration of Earth Day, 30 New York City blocks were only open to pedestrians and bicycle traffic in hopes of encouraging residents to use more environmentally friendly transportation.
3. Massachusetts
The Massachusetts Port Authority invested $6.3m into repaving one of the airport’s runways with environmentally friendly asphalt, which could be heated at a significantly lower temperature during construction. The authority claimed this would lead to a reduction in carbon emissions during the course of the project.
2. Oregon
Oregon ranked highest of all states as having the highest percentage of renewable energy consumption. Portland, the biggest city in Oregon, has 350 miles of bike lanes for creating more opportunity for environmentally friendly travel, according to a report from the Portland Bureau of Travel.
1. Vermont
Vermont was recognized for producing the second-lowest total amount of municipal solid waste per capita. In addition, the state was ranked first in most environmentally friendly behaviors, including low water and energy consumption, and a higher volume of green buildings per capita, according to the report.
The full report can be viewed here.