Green cities lead in modern urban development, blending environmental sustainability with urban life. These cities use green technology and strong environmental policies to minimize their carbon footprint and address the climate crisis. Since urban areas account for most of the world’s energy use and greenhouse gas emissions, transitioning to green urban spaces is vital.
This exploration highlights cities excelling in sustainable practices, green technology, and effective environmental policies. They’re not just tackling climate change but redefining eco-friendly living.
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List of the top green cities around the world
1. Amsterdam, The Netherlands
Capturing the essence of sustainability, Amsterdam aims to achieve complete carbon neutrality by 2050. The city has taken giant strides, especially in reducing traffic and switching to renewable energy sources.
A notable move is the establishment of a low-emissions zone in the city center, where the most polluting vehicles face hefty fines for entry. Furthermore, Amsterdam is on a path to eliminate the use of natural gas and fossil fuels, setting a target to make all buildings carbon-neutral and free from natural gas by 2040.
2. Vancouver, Canada
Embarking on an ambitious journey in 2009, Vancouver aspired to become the world’s greenest city. Though not all targets of this green plan were met, the city has made significant progress. The Vancouver Convention Centre, with its living roof and on-site water treatment facilities, is proof of this commitment.
This center stands out as the first in the world to receive two LEED awards, a prestigious recognition for environmentally friendly buildings. Vancouver also aims to be completely powered by renewable energy sources by 2050.
3. Singapore
The Supertree Grove in the Gardens by the Bay area of Singapore is not just an architectural marvel but a symbol of the city’s green transformation. These 18 artificial trees, ranging from 25 to 50 meters in height, are home to over 200 species of rare plants and feature integrated solar cells to power their lighting systems at night.
They also play a crucial role in rainwater collection, which is used for irrigating the plants. This initiative is part of Singapore’s broader strategy to enhance the quality of life by increasing green spaces in the urban core, marking it as one of the innovative green cities on the global stage.
4. Oslo, Norway
Oslo presents a picturesque scene with its tramlines running through grass-lined streets. Crowned the European Green Capital in 2019 by the European Commission, Oslo exemplifies a city transformed into a green haven.
A shining example is Vulkan, a neighborhood reborn on an old industrial site, now thriving with geothermal wells and solar panels. Oslo’s public transport system, boasting trams, buses, metros, and bicycles, offers a diverse range of eco-friendly commuting options.
Remarkably, almost half of Oslo’s land area is dedicated to green spaces, including parks, lakes, and over a million trees, making it a leading figure among green cities.
Read also: Oslo will become the first carbon-neutral capital in the world: here’s how
5. Adelaide, Australia
Adelaide, situated in the country’s driest state, has embraced water conservation with innovative vigor. The city’s approach to ‘water sensitivity’ involves meticulous planning of the entire water cycle, focusing on minimizing waste and maximizing the reuse of water.
Efforts in Adelaide go beyond water management; the city has made significant investments in increasing urban greenery and ensuring new trees have ample space to flourish without disrupting underground infrastructure. These initiatives have not only transformed Adelaide but also enhanced its reputation as one of the pioneering green cities.
6. Wellington, New Zealand
Wellington integrates sustainability into every aspect of city life, from building design to transport and food production. The city encourages its residents to engage in community gardening, fostering a self-sustaining lifestyle. A crucial goal for Wellington is to restore and enhance its biodiversity as part of its journey to become a net-zero city by 2050.
The city has witnessed a significant decline in its ecosystem, with forest cover reducing dramatically from 98% to 28%. Efforts are now focused on reversing this trend, protecting native species at risk of extinction, and revitalizing the natural biodiversity. Wellington’s commitment to these green initiatives makes it a noteworthy addition to the list of green cities reshaping our world.
7. Curitiba, Brazil
Curitiba stands out as a long-time advocate for environmental policies. It gained global recognition in the 1970s with its ‘Bus Rapid Transit’ (BRT) system. This innovative public transport solution, featuring distinctive tube-shaped bus stops, was a response to rapid city expansion.
Opting for mass public transportation over car-centric development, Curitiba’s approach has since inspired many other green cities worldwide. These iconic BRT stations, introduced in the 1990s, have become a symbol of Curitiba’s environmental commitment.
8. Copenhagen, Denmark
Copenhagen’s ambition to become the world’s first carbon-neutral capital by 2025 reflects its proactive stance on environmental issues. The city’s landscape, predominantly flat, is perfectly suited for bicycles, which are a common sight, especially during rush hours.
Nearly half of all commutes to school or work in Copenhagen are made by bike, supported by dedicated bike lanes and green routes. But it’s not just about transportation. Copenhagen is also integrating energy production and emerging carbon capture technologies to reduce carbon emissions further, making it one of the leading green cities in the world.
9. Nottingham, UK
Nottingham has set an ambitious goal to be the UK’s first carbon-neutral city by 2028. A key element of this plan is experimenting with innovative technologies, such as wireless charging for electric vehicles – a pioneering initiative first trialed in 2022.
Additionally, the ‘Hello Nottingham’ scheme encourages residents and visitors to engage in the city’s green transformation through QR code-based feedback on environmental improvements. These efforts reflect Nottingham’s commitment to becoming a green city.
10. Reykjavik, Iceland
Reykjavik is a world leader in green energy, being the first city globally to be entirely powered by geothermal and hydroelectric energy sources. This achievement, aided by Iceland’s unique geography, solidifies Reykjavik’s status as one of the greenest cities.
But the city isn’t complacent: aiming for carbon neutrality by 2040, Reykjavik has implemented a sustainable transport plan. This includes the phasing out of fossil fuels in public transport and cars, demonstrating a continued commitment to environmental stewardship.
Read also: When is a city considered smart? These are the main features of the cities of the future
