Climate change is a global menace, and many American states are taking initiatives to combat it. A state’s green quality score is determined by variables like environmental quality, eco-friendly behavior, and its response to climate change.
These attributes ultimately contribute to an overall score reflecting the state’s commitment to environmental sustainability and its effectiveness in implementing green practices. In essence, the
the higher the score, the greater the state’s dedication to environmental protection and sustainability.
Here are 50 states, ranked in descending order from most to least green.
1. Vermont
Ranking 1st in eco-friendly behavior and coming second in environment quality, Vermont earns a total score of 78.44, placing it at the top of the list. The state is ranked 33rd in terms of climate change.
2. New York
As one of the greenest states, the Big Apple is also known for having one of the lowest energy consumption rates per capita. Coming in at second place with an overall score of 78.44, New York ranks 3rd in environmental quality and 7th in eco-friendliness.
3. California
California is one of the most eco-conscious states and has the fourth-lowest energy consumption per capita. With a total score of 75.46, it is placed third. However, the high population density compromises California’s air quality, making it the worst in the country.
4. Hawaii
The Aloha State is the best in terms of environmental quality and the tenth best in eco-friendliness. With a total score of 75.25, Hawaii earns 4th place. The natural beauty and the overall geography keep things fresh in the state.
5. Maryland
Scoring 74.7, Maryland is the 5th most green state in the U.S. It has responded well to climate change and is one of the ten best states in terms of environmental quality.
6. Connecticut
Like many other Northeastern states, Connecticut has made impeccable progress in responding to climate change. With a score of 72.45 and the 8th best environmental quality, Connecticut takes the 6th place.
7. Massachusetts
Massachusetts comes in 7th with a score of 71.56. It is one of the five states with the lowest energy consumption per capita and the best water quality. It has the third-highest number of LEED-certified buildings per capita.
8. Minnesota
With a score of 70.13, Minnesota is the 8th greenest state in the U.S. It ranks in the top 10 in eco-friendliness and has the 5th best environmental quality in the country.
9. Washington
Washington is among the top 10, with a score of 69.67. It’s the 6th best as far as eco-friendliness goes. As a West Coast state, it’s one the best states in terms of its renewable energy consumption and also has a high number of LEED-certified buildings. Washington also has the fifth-lowest gasoline consumption per capita.
10. Maine
The 10th greenest state, with a score of 69.6, Maine enjoys the top position in terms of eco-friendliness and climate change interventions.
11. Colorado
The Centennial State has a score of 67.58, earning it the 11th place on this list. It’s the 5th best state in terms of eco-friendly behavior, and it has the 12th best environmental quality.
12. New Hampshire
New Hampshire has the second-best air quality in the country. With an environmental quality ranking of 10 and a total score of 66.81, the state comes in at 12th place. It’s also the 5th best state in terms of climate change contributions.
13. South Dakota
Scoring 66.76, South Dakota is the 13th most green state in America. It is one of the top 10 states in terms of climate change contributions, which generally include combatting greenhouse emissions, recycling, and reducing landfills.
14. Michigan
With the 9th best environmental quality in the country and a total score of 66.08, Michigan is the 14th most green state.
15. Oregon
Like Washington, Oregon has an incredible renewable energy consumption rate. With a total score of 65.66, the state takes the 15th position.
16. Rhode Island
With one of the lowest energy consumption per capita, Rhode Island ranks 16th with a total score of 65.21. It is placed 25th in environmental quality and 21st in eco-friendliness but is the second-best state in terms of responding to climate change.
17. Virginia
The Old Dominion takes 17th place with a total of 63.73. It has the 15th best environmental quality and is among the top twenty in eco-friendliness and climate change interventions.
18. Delaware
With a total of 62.48, Delaware ranks 18 on the list. It is among the top twenty states that contribute to climate change.
19. Nevada
Nevada has a total score of 61.18 and is one of the top twenty states in terms of green quality. It is the 12th best in eco-friendliness and among the top 10 states in climate change contributions.
20. Wisconsin
Ranking 20, Wisconsin has a total score of 61.01. It is one of the top twenty states in eco-friendliness and climate change contributions.
21. New Jersey
The Garden State has a total of 60.1, earning it the 21st position. Most notably, it is the third-best state in making contributions toward combatting climate change.
22. Illinois
Scoring 59.82, Illinois ranks 22 on the list of green states. It is the 18th best in environmental quality and eco-friendliness but holds the 29th position for climate change contributions.
23. North Carolina
With a score of 59.57, the Tar Heel State comes in at 23. It is among the top twenty states in responding to climate change.
24. Pennsylvania
The Keystone State has a total score of 59.11, earning it 24th place in terms of green quality. It ranks in the top 20 in eco-friendliness and environmental quality.
25. Montana
The Treasure State comes right in the middle with a 57.58 score. It is among the top thirty in environmental quality, eco-friendliness, and climate change contributions.
26. Nebraska
In 26th place, Nebraska has a score of 56.68. It has the 16th best environmental quality but holds 38th place in eco-friendliness.
27. Utah
Scoring 56.61, the Beehive State takes the 27th position. It is the 20th best in eco-friendliness but is placed 36th in environmental quality.
28. South Carolina
The Palmetto State has a total score of 56.44, granting it 28th place on the list. While it isn’t doing too well in terms of environmental quality and eco-friendliness, it is the 17th best in making climate change contributions.
29. Idaho
With a total of 55.72, Idaho takes the 29th place. While it is the 10th best in responding to climate change, it has a low ranking of 41 in terms of environmental quality.
30. Iowa
With a score of 55.36, the Hawkeye State takes the 30th position. It is among the top twenty in eco-friendliness but is the 7th worst in responding to climate change.
31. Ohio
Scoring 55.25, Ohio has an overall ranking of 31. It is the 25th-best state in terms of climate change contributions.
32. Missouri
Coming in at 32, the Show-Me State has a total score of 55.22. It ranks 20th in environmental quality and 30th in eco-friendliness.
33. Georgia
With a total score of 54.1, Georgia takes the 33rd spot. The Peach State is ranked 28th in terms of environmental quality and is one of the worst in taking eco-friendly initiatives.
34. Tennessee
Ranking 34 with a 52.7 score, Tennessee is among the top 20 eco-friendly states. It ranks 37 in environmental quality and 44 in climate change contributions.
35. Florida
With a score of 50.27, Florida ranks 35. The Sunshine State performs poorly in eco-friendliness, environmental quality, and climate change response.
36. Kansas
The Sunflower State has a total score of 50.03, making it the 36th most green state. It has an environmental quality ranking of 40 and is the 36th most eco-friendly state.
37. New Mexico
The Land of Enchantment scores 49.81, making it the 13th least green state. It has poor environmental quality and struggles with eco-friendliness and climate change interventions.
38. Texas
With a score of 49.6, the Lone Star State is one of the worst in terms of environmental quality and combating climate change.
39. Arizona
Ranking 39 with a score of 49.54, Arizona is one of the least green states in the country. It is among the top five worst states in terms of environmental quality.
40. Arkansas
Scoring 48.89, The Natural State is the 10th least green state. It is the fifth worst in eco-friendliness and ranks 21 in environmental quality.
41. Indiana
With a score of 48.61, Indiana ranks at 41. It has the 30th best environmental quality but underperforms in eco-friendliness and climate change contributions.
42. North Dakota
Scoring 47.16, the Sioux State holds the 42nd position. As one of the least green states, North Dakota performs poorly on climate change responsiveness and eco-friendliness.
43. Oklahoma
With a score of 44.94, the Sooner State is the 7th worst in green quality. It ranks 44th in eco-friendliness and climate change contributions.
44. Alaska
With a score of 40.91, Alaska is 44th on the list. The Last Frontier has the worst environmental quality.
45. Kentucky
The Bluegrass State has a score of 40.16, earning it the 45th place on the list. It ranks 32nd in terms of environmental quality and is one of the worst in responding to climate change.
46. Wyoming
With a score of 36.44, the Equality State lags behind, earning the 46th position. It is one of the worst in terms of renewable energy consumption, municipal solid waste generation, and recycling.
47. Alabama
The Yellowhammer State has a total score of 36.11, earning it the 47th place on the list. It ranks 35 in eco-friendliness and 46 in environmental quality.
48. Mississippi
Ranking 49th in both eco-friendliness and environmental quality and 42nd in climate change reforms, Mississippi has a total score of 34.34.
49. Louisiana
Earning the second-last spot, Louisiana is one of the least “green” states, with a total score of 29.57. It’s the worst state in terms of eco-friendly behavior and ranks 49th in climate change contributions.
50. West Virginia
With a total score of 19.3, West Virginia is at the bottom of the list. It ranks 48 in eco-friendliness and environmental quality. It’s the worst state in terms of climate change reforms.
Source: World Population Review
