According to the annual Index of prosperity and financial health released in 2023, the natural environment in the Czech Republic remains one of the worst in the European Union. The country ranked 22nd out of 27 EU members in the evaluation of 14 indicators related to the state of the environment. While the Czech Republic improved its position by one place since last year, it is still lagging behind in the reduction of emissions and damage to soil from drought.

The Czech Republic is below the EU average in the rate of reduction of greenhouse gases, with Czech industry producing 1,932 kilograms of greenhouse gases per capita per year, an increase of roughly 11%. This is mainly due to the return of the level of manufacturing to the time before the coronavirus pandemic. Coal burning accounts for roughly 40% of the emissions of greenhouse gases, making rapid decarbonisation of energy the biggest opportunity to lower emissions. Some 3,200 people die annually in the Czech Republic due to the high levels of carbon emissions.

While the proportion of waste recycled in the Czech Republic has improved slightly, the country still produced 570 kilograms of waste annually per person, which is 12% more than a year ago. Experts say that recycling on its own is not a real solution, as reducing the amount of waste produced in the first place is more efficient. However, the Czech Republic improved its position by six places to 13th place in the indicator of reusable waste, as the proportion of biowaste collection became more efficient.

The production of e-waste is one area where the Czech Republic is doing better than many EU countries which have much better environmental indicators overall. However, the country has the largest proportion of the soil affected by drought, now around 16%, according to the Index report. The lack of moisture, combined with waves of extreme heat, has affected the state of the forests and their ability to reduce the amount of carbon dioxide in the air.

To address these environmental issues, the Czech Republic needs to prioritize reducing greenhouse gas emissions, including the rapid decarbonisation of energy. Efforts should also be made to reduce the amount of waste produced and to improve the efficiency of waste collection and management. It is also important to address the issue of drought and its impact on the environment, particularly on forests. By taking a proactive approach, the Czech Republic can improve its position in the Index and become a leader in environmental sustainability in the EU.

Article by Prague Forum