The second annual survey conducted by the National Geographic Society and international polling firm GlobeScan on environmentally sustainable behaviour, the results of which were released on Wednesday, showed that Indian consumers have overtaken Brazilians to take the top spot with a Greendex score of 59.5. The Chinese retained the third spot with 55.2. At the bottom of the ladder in the 17-country survey are over-consumptive Americans (43.7), Canadians (43.5) and Japanese (49.3).

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However, there are plenty of signs that India's Green-ness, which seems driven more out of compulsion than conviction, may not last long. According to the study, Indians are the most likely to say that they intend to acquire a motorised vehicle in the next year (58%). There is also declining frequency of consumption of local foods, fruits and vegetables and an increase in the consumption of imported foods and bottled water. India is also the only country surveyed experiencing increased bottled water consumption.