The greenest cities in the world – places where nature is a priority

The world’s greenest cities are places where care for the environment is combined with the well-being of residents. Green spaces not only improve aesthetics, but most importantly promote mental and physical health, strengthen social ties and help combat global warming. Unfortunately, as urban development continues, green spaces are increasingly giving way to development. However, there are cities that are successfully protecting their green infrastructure and investing in sustainable solutions.

The greenest cities in the world – top 10 metropolises that care about ecology

1. Copenhagen, Denmark – the capital of bicycles and green energy

Copenhagen has been a model for other cities in terms of green solutions for years. The authorities set an ambitious goal – to achieve carbon neutrality by 2025, which has almost been achieved. How was this accomplished? Through extensive wind farms, green building, and through intensive promotion of bicycles – about 50 percent of residents use them to commute to work or school every day, significantly reducing_CO2 emissions. The city is also investing in renewable energy sources, such as wind turbines and biomass, and consistently developing public transportation to reduce the need to use cars.

2. Singapore – a city in a garden

Singapore is an excellent example of a modern metropolis that harmoniously combines urbanization with nature. It is not without reason that it is referred to as a city in a garden – almost 50 percent of Singapore’s area is green space. However, the city authorities have implemented yet another solution – the sponge city concept. With a system of green roofs, vertical gardens and permeable pavement, Singapore effectively manages rainwater, reducing the risk of flooding while storing water for periods of drought.

The distinctive super trees at Gardens by the Bay are not only a tourist attraction, but also a system that purifies the air, collects rainwater and generates solar energy.

3. Vancouver, Canada – nature in the big city

Vancouver is surrounded by forests, mountains and the ocean, but the city itself also boasts pro-environmental policies. With more than 220 parks, long bike trails and unique environmental initiatives, residents enjoy clean air and proximity to nature. Interestingly, this Canadian city has within its borders Stanley Park, which is 10 percent larger than New York’s Central Park.

4. Amsterdam, Netherlands – the city where bicycles are king

Amsterdam is another green city in Europe. There are more trees here than residents, plenty of greenery on the streets and rich biodiversity. The Dutch capital, like Copenhagen, is made for cyclists – residents choose this mode of transportation more often than cars. As a result, emissions are much lower than in other European metropolises. The city is also developing green buildings that use less energy and consistently investing in electric public transportation. And it’s all part of the Comprehensive Vision Amsterdam 2050 strategy, which sets out measures for 2020-2050.

5. Stockholm, Sweden – the environmental capital of Europe

Stockholm has long been regarded as one of the greenest cities. It already won the title of Europe’s Green Capital in 2010 and has been consistently developing green initiatives ever since. More than 40 percent. cities are green spaces, and the waste management system allows for efficient recycling and a reduction in the amount of trash going to landfills. Stockholm wants to completely phase out fossil fuels by 2040, one of the most ambitious goals in the world.

6. Oslo, Norway – the city of electric buses

Oslo is a Scandinavian city that is committed to going green. It has vast green areas, while rapidly developing sustainable transportation. More than 70 percent. buses in the city run on electricity or biofuels, and by 2030 the Norwegian capital wants to completely eliminate CO₂ emissions from public transportation.

However, the green revolution extends not only to public transportation, but also to passenger cars. Norway, despite its vast oil and gas reserves, has for years been a world leader in the development of electromobility. Electric vehicle sales have grown from less than 1 percent of total car sales in 2010 to an impressive 88.9 percent last year, and the trend continues to accelerate. According to data from the Norwegian Public Roads Administration, as many as 96 percent of new cars sold in the country in the first weeks of this year were electric vehicles. Thanks to consistent efforts, Oslo and Norway as a whole are gradually moving closer to the full decarbonization of transportation.

7. Curitiba, Brazil – sustainable development in South America

Curitiba, though little known, is a model for other cities in green urbanism. It was here, in 1974, that the world’s first integrated Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) public transportation system was established, significantly reducing traffic jams and emissions. Today, the system serves some 2.3 million passengers a day, accounting for about 85 percent of the city’s population.

Thanks to the introduction of bus lanes and innovative solutions such as glass tube stops with an advance fare system, travel time has been reduced by about 50 percent compared to traditional bus systems.

8. San Francisco, USA – a pioneer in recycling

San Francisco has become the first city in the US to ban plastic bags and pledge to recycle waste completely. As a result, most trash is reused and landfill space is minimized. The city is also investing in renewable energy sources, and green building is becoming a standard here.

9. Berlin, Germany – green spaces in a great metropolis

Berlin, although a huge capital, does not forget about ecology. About 44 percent of the city’s land area is green and open, including parks, forests, lakes, community gardens and even agricultural land.

Berlin’s public transportation system continues to grow, promoting electric buses and city bikes. Berlin authorities have also introduced strict standards for new buildings, which must meet high energy-efficiency standards. The city aims to make all development carbon-neutral, part of a broader sustainability strategy.

10. Melbourne, Australia – the city of green roofs

Melbourne has been implementing innovative green solutions for years. One of them is green roofs, which help regulate temperature and absorb pollutants. In doing so, the city is investing in rainwater retention, allowing it to be reused and reducing drinking water consumption. More than 50 percent of Melbourne’s land area is green, and further initiatives are expected to make the city even more environmentally friendly.

pic. main: Wallace Heng / Unsplash