I just stumbled upon the results of the National Geographic Society's Greendex results, which measures 14 nations in terms of "greenness" and comsumption. Not surprising, the US was last in transportation, housing, and purchases of goods, and near the bottom in food. Canada and France were close behind. Brazil and India came in at the top of the list.

So, as usual, it's all economics. Does anyone think there is any hope that a wealthy nation could ever truly be a global green power? I would like to think that the technological advances in green technology are helping, but as long as the US continues to encourage the purchasing of cheap goods, cars, and a 3,000 square foot house on an acre of land, it seems hopeless. Can anyone please convince me differently?

Teddy,

I took a look at the Greendex survey and in my opinion it is seriously flawed. For example, according to the survey if I live without heat I have a higher Greendex. If I live without refrigeration, I have a higher Greendex score. I'm not sure if a minimum standard of living was established (I did not read the 50 MB report) but intuitively I find it hard to believe that millions of people living in abject poverty makes a country more ecologically sound.

If you want to see a wealthy country that is moving rapidly moving towards green growth. Look at Norway and New Zeland. Both are making great strides in that direction.

MikeCJ

 Part two: I went back and downloaded the report and read it. The report was much more comprehensive that what was displayed on the web page. However, I found this little gem in the report.

 I've got to say that is a huge omission on National Geogrphic's and Globe Scan's part in my opinion.