51% of all indicators show further deteriorating developments, while only 40% are positive. Given the absence of meaningful policies that protect the remaining biosphere and incentivises green alternatives we unfortunately have to expect a further decline of environmental parameters into the future – which in term will affect other pillars of sustainable competitiveness.

Observations

High-ranking countries are characterised by the availability of abundant water combined with tropical climate, rich biodiversity and availability of other natural resources. The highest scoring countries are mostly located in tropical areas, underscoring the overarching importance of the availability of sufficient water. While these countries currently may lack social, intellectual and governance capital, their Natural Capital would allow them to develop sustainable competitiveness over time. A certain correlation with the level of human activities and population density can also be observed: large countries with a comparably small population density and rich biodiversity are on top of the Natural Capital ranking (North America, Scandinavia, Brazil).