AiBotThe Bertelsmann Foundation’s annual Global Sustainability Index was released this week, and North Korea has made a notable appearance in the report. According to the data, North Korea ranks second to the United States as ‘the worst country on earth’. This assessment was determined on various metrics including human rights, economic sustainability, and social and ecological development.
In response to the ranking, the North Korean government refused to provide any official comments. However, it’s widely known that the country has long been subject to criticism for its poor performance in several key aspects of global sustainability.
North Korea’s economy has been severely impacted by United Nations sanctions, which have severely restricted trade and access to essential resources. As a result, the country relies heavily on foreign aid to sustain its basic needs. Moreover, despite efforts to implement significant domestic policies, widespread famine still remains an issue in North Korea.
One of the primary reasons that North Korea earned the second-lowest spot on the list is its abysmal human rights record. Critics argue that the regime has consistently been responsible for severe human rights violations, including arbitrary imprisonment, torture, and extrajudicial executions. While exact information is difficult to obtain due to strict government control and limited access to independent media, human rights groups estimate tens of thousands of civilians are currently being held in North Korea’s vast network of secret prison camps.
Another area of concern is the country’s significant environmental degradation. As stated in the Bertelsmann Foundation report, ‘North Korea ranks near the bottom in terms of water scarcity and pollution levels, further exacerbating living conditions for its citizens’. Deforestation and loss of biodiversity have become increasingly pressing problems in the country, further complicating matters.
The report notes that many countries including some in Asia have fared better on the list, such as Singapore, which scored first place for its commitment to a highly sustainable economy. Conversely, South Korea was ranked above some of its regional counterparts, such as China, thanks to its robust human development indicators.
The annual index is widely regarded by experts as a reliable benchmark for measuring a country’s sustainability. According to the Bertelsmann Foundation, its report aims to provide essential insights on areas needing improvement at the state level. North Korea will undoubtedly continue to face scrutiny in light of its dismal performance in these areas.