Most Sustainable Cities in the World (examples of good practices)
Governments and local authorities globally are seeking ways to become more sustainable. This list summarizes an article covering the top 10 most eco friendly cities devoted to environmental practices.

Source: Smart city components. [Online image] IFP Energies Nouvelles. https://www.ifpenergiesnouvelles.com/article/smart-city-energy-challenges-facing-sustainable-cities

  • Copenhagen, Denmark: With its continuous investment in green tech and network of bicycle lanes, Copenhagen is one of the most sustainable cities. The city aims to be the first carbon-neutral city by 2025.
  • Amsterdam, Netherlands: Amsterdam — another on the list of most eco-friendly cities — promotes electric vehicles with citywide EV charging stations. Residents are encouraged to install rooftop solar panels and grow their own food or purchase locally, which contributes to the local economy.
  • Stockholm, Sweden: Stockholm is a well-planned sustainable city with a goal to eliminate the use of fossil fuels within 20 years.
  • Berlin, Germany – Berlin is one of the best urban sustainability examples, with over 400 EV charging stations, and has been investing in green spaces since World War I.
  • Portland, Oregon: Portland has adopted a sustainability culture, and today ¼ of its citizens commute by bike or public transport. Rideshare systems and bike paths also support green commute methods.
  • San Francisco, California: San Francisco is one of the most sustainable cities in the US, with a zero waste program designed to divert 100% of waste from landfills by 2020. The city also banned products like plastic bags and water bottles.
  • Cape Town, South Africa: Cape Town began installing wind farms to produce sustainable energy in 2008. The city’s residents also use solar panels and grow urban gardens for food production.
  • Helsinki, Finland: If you are an eco-traveler, Helsinki is worth visiting. A large percentage of the city’s hotel rooms have been certified as eco-friendly. The city is also developing sustainable living communities.
  • Vancouver, Canada: Vancouver produces the lowest amount of greenhouse gases in North America. The city’s environmental focus has created a local green economy boom for the residents, supporting more green jobs and locally grown food.
  • Reykjavik, Iceland: Reykjavik is making great strides towards eradicating generation of greenhouse emissions by inspiring people to walk, cycle, and use public transport. The city also encourages use of electric vehicles and plans to triple the number of hydrogen buses by 2030.

Good Practice

Encouraging young people to join Youth Centres in their local communities. The aims of EU Youth Centres are:
● to ensure participation by European youth and international non-governmental youth organisations in the building of Europe;
● to supplement the training of youth leaders in a European context;
● to further international understanding, in a spirit of respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms, as well as the study of European problems;
● to seek means of ensuring participation by young people in solving the problems which concern them;
● to contribute to the implementation of the Council of Europe’s programme in the field of youth activities.

Healthy cities for adolescents program: https://www.fondationbotnar.org/project/the-botnar-healthy-cities-for-adolescents-program/

Tips on how to live a more sustainable life in urban areas

1. Walk more
2. Cycle
3. Take the train or tram
4. Eat local
5. Eat less meat
6. Work from home
7. Grow your own food
8. Buy second hand
9. Recycle
10. Limit plastic use
11. Exercise in the park
12. Vote for greener policies

Source: www.ecohugo.com

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