THE GREENEST CITIES IN THE WORLD
Travel - It's a word that we may have forgotten about over these last few years but it’s the first thing many of us are looking forward to doing once we are able to go on new adventures again.
Currently, approximately half of the global population lives in a city and it is estimated that by the year 2050, this will increase to two thirds! Which is why our need for greener cities is so important.
WHAT MAKES A CITY GREEN?
As you know, cities, particularly large cities create pollution that contributes to greenhouse gas emissions, which is harmful to our planet. So, a city that is green, considers these factors and looks at ways for people to reduce their impact by living a more sustainable lifestyle. They actively take steps to address climate change with initiatives such as bike lanes - to encourage people to drive less and cycle more, community parks to maintain green spaces in cities that help to reduce pollution and have strict water quality standards.
THE TOP 5 GREENEST CITIES IN THE WORLD
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VIENNA, AUSTRIA
Vienna makes the top of the list as over 50% of the it is comprised of green areas in the heart of the city as well as large national parks on the outskirts. They also have a well-developed public transport system, with half the population opting to use public transport rather than drive their own cars.
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MUNICH, GERMANY
Did you know that Munich is one of the most walkable cities in the world? It also has some of the cleanest air for an urban space in the world!
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BERLIN, GERMANY
Berlin has chosen to increase the tax on things/activities that create pollution, to encourage people to opt for more sustainable alternatives. For example they have a tax on petrol, to encourage people to walk, cycle or use public transport instead of driving their car. In addition to this, some of the apartment buildings also have a filter system so that grey water (wastewater from washing machines, hand basins and showers/baths) can be recycled and reused to water rooftop gardens.
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MADRID, SPAIN
Madrid has incorporated many green spaces within the city. As this city is a big tourist destination, most of the leisure activities on offer are eco-friendly such as solar-powered boat tours as well as biking and walking tours.
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SAO PAULO, BRAZIL
Sao Paulo is one of the biggest users of renewable energy. There are also approx. 200 farmers markets scattered throughout the city where people can purchase their fresh fruit and vegetables from, reducing the need for agricultural transport, which has a large impact on carbon emissions.
We hope you found this KEEPER Denim's post on the top 5 greenest cities of the world interesting. Did any of the cities included in the list surprise you? These cities have some incredible initiatives in place to help their citizens live a more sustainable lifestyle, reducing their impact on the planet.