The world’s greenest cities – who is doing it best?
The world’s greenest cities – who is doing it best?
In an era of ongoing climate change and increasing pollution, some cities around the world are becoming role models for sustainability. With investments in renewable energy, green building, public transport and the development of green spaces, they are showing that it is possible to reconcile modern lifestyles with care for the planet. Here are the cities that are setting the standard in environmental protection and sustainability.
Copenhagen, Denmark – the wind-powered city of the future
Copenhagen has been recognised as one of the world’s greenest cities for years, and its ambitions go even further – it wants to become the world’s first CO₂-neutral capital by 2025. How does it intend to achieve this? Renewable energy and the promotion of green modes of transport are key
Bicycles dominate the city – more than 40% of residents use them to commute to work or school, and the cycling infrastructure is one of the best in the world. What’s more, most of Copenhagen’s energy comes from wind turbines, and modern district heating systems use waste heat to heat buildings. The city is also committed to green building – modern housing estates such as Nordhavn are designed to minimise emissions and maximise the use of renewable energy.
Copenhagen shows that economic development can go hand in hand with environmental concerns. By investing in transport, energy and modern technology, the city is becoming a model for other metropolises around the world.
Reykjavik, Iceland – a city powered by nature
Reykjavik is a true ecological phenomenon. The Icelandic capital uses almost 100% renewable energy sources – heating is based on geothermal energy and electricity comes from hydroelectric power plants. As a result, residents can enjoy clean air and low energy costs, and the city emits almost no greenhouse gases.
However, the Reykjavik authorities are not stopping there. The city is intensively developing public transport and encouraging residents to use electric cars – the charging infrastructure here is one of the best developed in Europe. In addition, Reykjavik is aiming to become completely fossil fuel free by 2040.
Iceland demonstrates that using natural resources intelligently can lead to a virtually CO₂-free city. It is an inspiration to other places around the world that are looking for ways to go green.
Singapore – the green metropolis of the future
Singapore, despite its dense buildings and limited space, is leading the way in creating green, sustainable solutions. For decades, the city-state has pursued the vision of a ‘garden city’, where nature coexists with modern architecture.
One of its most spectacular projects is Gardens by the Bay – futuristic gardens full of exotic plants and impressive ‘supertrees’ – vertical gardens that generate energy and filter the air. Singapore is also investing in green building – vegetated roofs and water and energy conservation systems are standard.
Public transport here is top-notch, with the city government consistently reducing the number of combustion cars on the streets. What’s more, Singapore runs numerous educational programmes to raise the environmental awareness of its residents.
This proves that even in densely populated metropolises, it is possible to create a space that is both modern and environmentally friendly.
Vancouver, Canada – North America’s green city
Vancouver is one of the greenest cities on the American continent, and its authorities have been implementing ambitious plans to reduce CO₂ emissions and promote sustainable lifestyles for years. With its Greenest City Action Plan strategy, Vancouver aims to become the greenest city in the world.
The city is investing in renewable energy, green architecture and public transport. More than 90 per cent of its electricity comes from hydroelectric power, and local regulations require new buildings to meet strict energy efficiency standards. In addition, a growing number of eco-friendly neighbourhoods are being built in Vancouver, with vegetated roofs, rainwater recycling systems and solutions that minimise energy consumption.
The city government also places great emphasis on the preservation of green spaces – residents can enjoy numerous parks, bicycle paths and walking trails. It is a city that proves that modernity and ecology can go hand in hand.
Curitiba, Brazil – a city of innovative transport
Curitiba is an example of how smart city management can lead to a revolution in sustainability. This Brazilian city started investing in an efficient public transport system as early as the 1970s, which is still a model for other metropolises today.
The Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system allows for efficient movement around the city, reducing emissions and traffic jams. In addition, Curitiba invests in green spaces – the city has more than 50 parks and nature reserves, and sustainable urban planning allows for harmonious urban development.
With its advanced transport solutions, green architecture and nature conservation, Curitiba has become a model for other South American cities.
Towards a sustainable future
These cities show that a responsible approach to the environment can go hand in hand with dynamic development. Regardless of latitude, city governments around the world are implementing innovative solutions that improve the quality of life for residents and help protect the planet. Which city will be next? Time will tell, but one thing is certain – green metropolises are a future worth supporting.
The One More Tree Foundation is also involved in environmental initiatives, promoting reforestation and environmental education. Thanks to such organisations and urban role models, a sustainable future is becoming more and more real.
