The 76 nations and territories in the index (representing about 95% of global GDP) are ranked on their ability to develop a sustainable, low-carbon future for their economies and societies.

The “green society” ranking measures a country’s effort to increase recycling, develop energy-efficient building, consume less meat and dairy, and the net change in natural and planted forestation.

On those metrics Australia is doing significantly better than Aotearoa, coming 21^st in the “green society” category.

But overall New Zealand is well ahead of Australia which ranked 52^nd

The other categories in the index are carbon emissions (NZ 38), energy transition (NZ 55), clean innovation (NZ 46), and climate policy (NZ 36).

The most dramatic change in New Zealand’s ranking is the climate policy category which sees the country plunge from the top spot last year to 36 this year.

There’s little in the Green Future Index report to indicate what’s behind the precipitous fall. One of the few mentions of New Zealand policy is praise for the government’s climate related disclosures Act.

NZ slips from “green leaders” to “greening middle”

The report backgrounding the index notes that New Zealand has slipped from the “green leaders” to the “greening middle” category – but is still well clear of the “laggards.”

But it’s not all bad news – that 60^th place in the “green society” category is a big improvement on last year when New Zealand was ranked dead last.

Conversely in the “green society” category Aotearoa goes from the bottom of the pack on 76 to 60^.

The report notes that New Zealand’s free-range cows pose a conundrum being kinder to livestock but producing much more methane.

Europe takes 16 of top 20 spots with Iceland and Denmark retaining the number one and two spots from last year’s index.