Discover the Most Eco-Conscious Cities in the World

In the midst of an increased population, rapid international development and urbanization, the sustainability of our planet is in greater danger than ever before. As each passing year continues to break the records of the  heatwave, living an eco- conscious life has become very important.

Considering that we are almost on the global crises, there are many cities across the world who knows the value of green spaces, rely more on renewable energy sources, choose cycling or walking over cars and actively involve themselves in the recycling processes. Find out and take inspiration from those Most Eco-Friendly Cities in the World and their commitments to be well aware and eco-sensible.

Amsterdam

Where: Netherlands

Why?-  The City of Bikes

Amsterdam is a perfect combination of what an eco-friendly city looks like as the city contains more bikes than people (An incredible 36% of the city’s traffic movement can be attributed to bikes only with over 300 charging stations spread across the city) and if you are not a fan of cycling, then you can use electric vehicles as a solution. Amsterdam is also at the forefront of eco-friendly fashion and was one of the first to outline sustainability measures for the betterment of the world.

Stockholm

Where: Sweden

Why?-  The Cleanest City in Europe

Stockholm is one of the most eco-friendly cities in the whole of Europe and considered a leader in the world of sustainability. 68 percent of city’s population cycle/walk to work, 25 percent use public transport (which runs majorly on renewable resources) which makes it one of the trailblazers in energy-efficient building standards and eco-friendly approach. Plus, by 2040, Stockholm also plans to be completely free from the use of fossil fuels and is poised to achieve its sustainable goals.

Copenhagen

Where: Denmark

Why?-  Europe’s Most Sustainable City!

 The first spot in the list proudly goes to the city of Copenhagen. With its passionate efforts to be environmentally aware and sustainable, Copenhagen has emerged as the most eco-friendly city in the world. With a mission to have the entire city be carbon-neutral by 2025, Copenhagen is a city dedicated to finding alternative energy sources. Here, more people enjoy cycling/bikes than using a vehicle to get around; the city has electric buses and is set to become the first CO2-neutral city by 2025 too. Also, they have a plan of installing 100 wind turbines within city limits.

Vancouver

Where: Canada

Why?-  Lowest Carbon Emissions

 Located in the midst of the ocean, forest, and mountains, Vancouver is one of the most livable and greenest cities in the world. The city majorly relies on the use of renewable resources that bring down its carbon dioxide emission to the lowest level. They also have their own efficient team called GCAT (Greenest City Action Team) to make it most eco-friendly cities in the world.  By the year 2020, they also intend to improve air and water quality, promote local food production, plant more trees and increase recycling processes.

Reykjavik

Where:  Iceland

Why?-  A City Away from Fossil Fuels

 For those travelers who are looking for a serene a place to live or enjoy holidays, then there is nothing better than the land of Reykjavik in Iceland.  Being one of the most eco-friendly cities, it aims to be free from the grip of fossil fuels by the end of the year 2050. There are geothermal wells in the country and 30 active volcanoes that help to create hydrothermal energy/ power for the whole of the city.

Curitiba

Where: Brazil

 Why?-  The Power of Recycling

Located in Brazil, Curitiba is proudly called the Green Capital with 70% of its waste being recycled. To keep its city clean, Curitiba utilizes its special incentive program where you can exchange recyclables items with buys tokens, snacks, sweet and cash. The city has 400 square kilometers of green spaces in total (with 14 forests and 16 parks) and follows strict environmental laws to protect its environment.

San Francisco

Where: California

Why?-  The First American City to Ban Plastic Water Bottles

 With almost the population of around 860,000, San Francisco is among the greenest and cleanest cities in the world. The efficient environmental program and high level of recycling is the main reason behind its eco-friendly nature. The city government launched a waste-free initiative in 2003 with an aim to make it a zero waste by the year 2020. The thought of cycling, car-pooling, and electric transportation system help to save some money and reduce the emission of greenhouse gases.

 Singapore

Why?-  The Greenest City in Asia

 Interlinking the perfect balance of architecture and nature, Singapore is the greenest city in Asia. Being sensible towards the environment needs, Singapore is putting a lot of efforts to make at least 80 % of all its buildings green by the year 2030. The city has some of the best water conservation policies and Asia’s largest food waste processing facility, which uses microorganisms to break down biodegradable material in fertilizer and generate power.

 Cape Town

Where: South Africa

Why?-  Effective Waste Management Strategies

Cape Town is undoubtedly the greenest city in Africa by effectively managing the waste produced. In a world of increasing population and depleting natural resources, the city sources 10-20% of its energy from renewable sources. In fact, Cape Town has planned out an Energy and Climate Change Action Plan to follow eco-friendly things like public transport, energy consumption and recycling. The city constructed its very own wind farm to provide the most sustainable environment.

 Helsinki

Where: Finland

Why?-  The Nature Capital

Helsinki is the capital city of Finland and is soon on the verge becoming one of the most eco-friendly cities in the world. This city consists of more than 310 islands where the government plans to build wind power parks that would generate energy. There is an abundance of forest and wildlife that makes the place green in regards to the flora and fauna. Also, the city promotes a high level of recycling processes to create healthy living conditions for the people.

 Portland

 Where: Oregon

Why?-  A City that Embraces Nature

The city itself has made some remarkable changes to ensure it plays its part in the bettering of the planet and the lifestyles of those living in the area. The city has an estimated 250 miles of bike paths to which 8% of the city’s population use. Also, the city’s very progressive; The Sustainable City Government (SCG) program has successfully lowered the city’s dependence on fossil fuels from 1991 till now. All this clearly indicates how to live green and embrace nature in the Portland way.

Oslo

Where: Norway

Why?-  Environmentally Progressive

 What is inspirational about Oslo is that out of its 454 sq km of total area, 242 sq km is covered by the dense forests. This makes the city shines with lush green color and keeps its surroundings calm and cool. To create an eco-friendly environment, Oslo city government has a mission to make the city carbon neutral by the year 2020.