An important problem in the United States is environmental pollution. This is a country with a well-developed industry, which inevitably has a strong impact on the environment. For a long time, nature has been treated as a consumer, destroying natural resources. Now some regions are on the verge of an environmental disaster. This is caused by both the emission of industrial waste and the widespread use of vehicles. Metals and dioxides are the most dangerous substances that harm the atmosphere. They create a “greenhouse effect” that destroys the planet’s ozone layer. The effects of global warming are greater in the United States than in other countries. In recent years, the number of abnormal precipitation events has increased sharply. Toxic waste from factories pollutes not only the air, but also water bodies. Water resources are poisoned by wastewater and fuel processing products. Because of this, intestinal infections and various skin diseases spread. Cities are polluted not only because of the work of enterprises. Slum areas, which are not uncommon in America, are filled with various household garbage that is thrown away by residents of megacities. This creates unsanitary conditions and the development of diseases.
Top 5 dirtiest cities in the USA
- NY
- New Orleans
- Baltimore
- Los Angeles
- Atlanta
Top 5 Cleanest US Cities
- Portland
- San Diego
- San Francisco
- Austin
- Minneapolis
New York is a highly polluted area
According to research by the Environmental Protection Agency, New York is at the top of the rankings for air pollution. Most of the harmful substances are emitted into the atmosphere by cars, buses, and construction vehicles. Thick smog often hangs over the city. Experts believe that if the situation does not change, residents will have to use respirators when going outside. The most difficult situation is observed in Manhattan. This is one of the densely populated areas with heavy traffic. The incidence of cancer here is three times higher than the US average. This disease is associated with the presence of toxic particles in the atmosphere.
Not only vehicles, but also heating systems make New York's air dirty. The presence of sulfur dioxide and nickel in the air is high near buildings heated by petroleum products. It's an outdated system used by 10,000 New York City homes. To improve the situation, the city authorities adopted the “Clean Heat” program, which allows you to switch to cleaner fuel with a low sulfur content. Public transport is also being switched to this type of fuel. A significant “contribution” to air pollution is made by dry cleaners and auto repair shops that use spray paint to paint cars. Added to this is the harmful effects of household chemicals, which are widely used by residents of the metropolis.
New York's pollution problem isn't just about toxic emissions. The city center looks clean and respectable. However, there are entire areas here where the amount of garbage lying right on the streets is simply off the charts. These are poor neighborhoods whose residents do not keep their homes clean. In areas with an African-American population, you can see huge piles of garbage bags that no one takes out, with leftover food, plastic plates, etc. spilling out of them. There are a lot of homeless people sleeping on the streets in cardboard boxes. People warm themselves near burning tanks. The New York subway is infested with rats.
The dirtiest part of New York is an area called "The Dump", located in Willets Point. It occupies several blocks. There is devastation and impassability here. There are simply no roads, instead of them there are puddles and dirt. The area consists of garages where abandoned cars are dismantled for parts. The skeletons of rusty cars, parts, and tires are dumped along the road. New York authorities have a special garbage police that monitors waste disposal and fines those who do not comply. But she doesn't visit this place.
Los Angeles is the dirtiest city in America
Los Angeles is another metropolis whose pollution is growing along with its population. It is the largest city in the state of California, the second largest in the United States, after New York. It is an industrial and transport center. There are oil refineries, aerospace, electrical, and food industries. The air is polluted by emissions from a huge number of cars. Additional damage to the atmosphere is caused by trains, ships, and airplanes. Gas stations discharge toxic waste, which pollutes groundwater.
Los Angeles's geography compounds the problem. It is located in a valley surrounded by mountains. Inversions occur in the atmosphere, causing dirty air to be trapped above the city in the form of smog. The atmosphere contains brown gas and small solid particles. Research by the American Public Health Association has shown that this composition causes exacerbations of pulmonary diseases. The smog is thick over Los Angeles. A record duration for the presence of a smog cloud was recorded here for the United States - more than 200 days. The waters of the Pacific Ocean are also not clean. You can see fuel oil stains in them. Swimming in such water is dangerous, and beaches are often closed due to high levels of bacteria.
The area of Los Angeles called “South Central” is very dirty. It is a ghetto where crime and drug trafficking reign. These are slums with dilapidated buildings and heaps of garbage on the streets. The situation is complicated by the chemicals that are used everywhere. They spray lawns and bushes in parks. Cafes and restaurants use aggressive preparations to clean equipment, carpets, and dishwashing. The population suffers from allergies. The authorities are taking measures to restore the environment, which include the use of alternative fuels. A program for the protection of forest parks and additional landscaping has been adopted.
Portland - neat and green
Portland, Oregon is one of the most attractive cities in America. He is known for his sound land use planning. The city government does a lot to improve the environment and quality of life of the population. Portland has repeatedly received the status of the greenest city in the United States and the world. It is also one of the top 3 environmentally friendly cities on the planet.
The favorable environmental situation is due to the fact that city authorities are taking measures to reduce harmful emissions into the air and are actively implementing a plan to green Portland. It does not belong to small towns with undeveloped industry. Portland is a major port, there is an international airport and a railway junction. Metalworking, timber processing, and machine-building enterprises are located here.
Planning for parks and green areas began in 1903. City authorities were interested in preserving natural wealth and resources. Some of the land was purchased and protected from development. In Portland there are forest parks, mountains, lakes, and extinct volcanoes. The transport system here is well developed, but it was built taking into account rational land use. An important part of the program for the use of environmentally friendly modes of transport is the light rail tram system. Such vehicles do not pollute the atmosphere with harmful emissions. A popular mode of transport is the bicycle. The city government actively supports cycling. Portland has plenty of bike paths to make getting around easy. The Bicycle Alliance organizes annual bike races, which are very popular among the local population. There are also pedestrian areas for walking.
Portland is careful about waste disposal. Garbage is collected in separate containers to facilitate sorting.
The location of the settlement contributes to a good environmental situation. It is located in the bed of the Willamette and Columbia rivers. On one side it is surrounded by mountains, on the other there is a flat part. The eastern part of Portland is very flat, it stretches in a long strip. This part is built up mainly with low-rise buildings. Portland is known as the “City of Roses,” which are planted in a variety of flower gardens. Here is the International Rose Research Park, where there are about 550 varieties. Exhibitions and festivals of these beautiful flowers are held annually.
San Diego is a clean resort town
This is a Southern Californian city with a favorable environmental situation, very clean and green. Located on the shores of the Pacific Ocean, it is a famous resort. This is a large metropolis, the population of which, together with its suburbs, is almost 3,000,000 people. There are wide, clean streets lined with palm trees. The houses are beautiful, well-kept, with green lawns. The city government obliges residents to keep the local area in order. You won't see any trash near houses. Numerous outdoor street cafes monitor the cleanliness of the premises and surrounding area. San Diego has many stunning white sand beaches. The length of the beach line is 120 km.
Thanks to the Mediterranean climate, there are many species of evergreen plants. Palm trees, conifers, and citrus trees are common here. San Diego is a hub for tourism, which is a leading source of income for the city's treasury. One of the largest zoos on the planet is located in the city. It occupies about 40 hectares, where animals are kept in natural conditions. There are artificial lakes in San Diego. Swimming is prohibited there. They form part of the city's valuable natural resources. The transport system includes a tram line that is environmentally friendly. Cycling is popular. Many people walk and run.
Today, people constantly talk about protecting the environment; everyone is concerned about environmental problems to one degree or another. And TravelAsk is no exception: after all, we are a travel portal, the splendor of nature is our everything, our main inspirer and muse.
Therefore, we want to talk about the city, which is rightly called green. And this city has received such a title more than once.
Capital of Denmark
When such ratings are created, everything is taken into account: from the green spaces of the city to how the administration involves ordinary citizens in environmental policy. And it is here that we are ahead of the rest. Environmental protection is not only the task of the government, it is a way of life for any city resident.
For example, the city is very well planned: it has bicycle paths on its highways with a total length of more than 350 kilometers, and 50% of the population ride bicycles to work and study.
Moreover, the city is more suitable for pedestrians and cyclists than for motorists: there are special parking lots and even places for tire inflation.
According to statistics, there are 560 thousand bicycles per 520 thousand residents of central Copenhagen. Cars are very expensive here: duties reach 180% of the cost of the car.
By the way, some organizations can rent bicycles for free. However, a small deposit is required.
Ideal conditions for living in unity with nature
― one of the most livable cities in the world. There is even an environmental police here. In addition, the city has many eco-friendly hotels and restaurants, you can use a rickshaw instead of a taxi, and the rivers flowing within the capital have been recognized as the cleanest in comparison with the waters of other Danish cities.
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By 2025, it is planned that 500 companies that use environmentally friendly technologies in their work will be united in Copenhagen. In addition, Copenhagen plans to become the first carbon-neutral capital of the world, that is, reduce its carbon dioxide emissions to zero and switch entirely to energy supply from renewable sources.
Therefore, the mayor’s office is actively investing in the development of solar and wind energy, switching buses from gasoline to biofuel and electricity, and modernizing houses and apartments to reduce energy consumption. And you can see this for yourself: CityCirkel electric buses run around the city.
Copenhagen has many cafes that serve organic food. Even the hotdogs here can be found organically with vegetarian sausages.
Green city and garbage
There are many parks in Copenhagen: from anywhere in the city to the green zone is no more than 15 minutes on foot.
The parks have machines for dispensing trash bags and signs: “Thank you for taking your trash with you.”
When it comes to trash, record low numbers are going to landfill: just 2%. 40% of the waste is burned, and the resulting energy is used to heat houses, and the rest is recycled. In Denmark, all cities have containers for separate waste, as well as machines for collecting bottles and plastic.
A new Amager waste incineration plant is also being built in Copenhagen.
But this is not just a factory, it is also a ski resort: they plan to build a snow slope on its roof in order to somehow justify an industrial building in close proximity to the city center.
It should start operating in 2017.
A rational approach to everything
The Danes are promoting rational use of products.
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Thus, in the fall of 2013, the first “Together Against Food Waste” campaign took place in Copenhagen. Thousands of people took part in it. They tasted meals made entirely from food that supermarkets and restaurants were preparing to send to landfill. And now, the Rub&Stub restaurant has already been opened in the city, working on the zero-waste principle - all dishes, including desserts, are made from discarded products. Of course, they are not collected from garbage dumps, but received centrally: surplus food is donated to the project by farmers and stores.
Moreover, the uniqueness of Rub&Stub is that the chefs have no idea what products will be on their table. Therefore, the restaurant menu is new every day. That is why, according to the Global Green Economy Index, it has already twice been awarded the title of the greenest city in the world.
Skyscrapers powered by solar energy, gardens on the roofs of buildings, wind turbines - the green future is already here. In the world's progressive cities, shiny high-rise buildings and plants rooted in the roofs of houses are no longer science-fiction visions of the future, but have become part of everyday life. In Chicago and Singapore, the money is being used to reduce urban sprawl, green cities and shift to alternative energy sources. Travelers benefit from improvements in the urban environment: stunning new city parks and gardens are being created, organic restaurants and breweries producing organic beer are opening, and new environmentally friendly architectural principles are being established. Say goodbye to your car, hop on the light rail or bike - eco-transport - and get ready to see green cities in a new light.
Copenhagen, Denmark
With its friendly citizens and low-rise buildings broken only by church spiers, Copenhagen consistently ranks among the most livable and environmentally friendly cities. The Danes began developing and producing high-tech wind turbines back in the 70s and 80s of the last century. They actively introduced advanced technologies in the use of wind energy and, as a result, overtook the whole world in the use of alternative energy sources. Currently, a quarter of all energy consumed in Denmark is wind energy. Copenhagen, which plans to become hydrocarbon independent by 2025, now gets most of its alternative energy from the Middelgrunden wind farm two miles offshore. Middelgrunden is a row of 20 turbines installed directly in the water, which look very futuristic from the harbor side. On wonderful summer days, feel free to join the Danish capital's cycling community (almost half of the capital's residents cycle to work) and take a ride through Stroget. This is a pedestrian area in the city center where cars are prohibited. And then go to one of the restaurants in the harbor, where you will be offered a treat made from sea buckthorn fruits and rye grains. Portland, Oregon, USA
Portland, among all its other attractions, is home to farmers' markets, restaurants that serve local, seasonal ingredients, and breweries that brew organic beer. Today the city has become a center for young and eco-oriented people. Much of the city's success in environmental endeavors is due to thoughtful urban planning, which began long before the fashion for everything "green." In 1993, Portland was one of the first to recognize global warming as a threat. Moreover, the city does not solve the problem of expanding its borders at the expense of agricultural land. Since the 1970s, Portland has been trying not to expand its city boundaries and has been protecting the surrounding fields. It created one of the best cycling infrastructures in America and a developed public transport system. To get a feel for what makes Portland so livable, head to the Pearl District. The area of former warehouses has been transformed into an area of art galleries, boutiques and restaurants, the menu of which includes dishes from local farms. Walk a little further and you'll find yourself in Forest Park - 2,000 hectares of Pacific wilderness bordered by Washington Park, the city zoo and the rose garden. Vancouver, Canada
Known as the Hollywood of the North for its role in many films and television shows, Vancouver could go the way of Los Angeles and become a giant anthill. But local residents have preserved the virginity of the nature surrounding the city, its wildness and naturalness. City officials welcome densification in the city, encouraging the construction of basement apartments and sublease agreements that increase the number of people per square meter in the city center. The city government also requires compliance with environmental building standards. However, the city cannot be called boring. The wild port city's urban past is alive and well in its nightclubs and bars. And a well-developed public transport system allows you not to worry about how to get home. The city is also making significant efforts to make driving more annoying than enjoyable, leading to car abandonment and therefore lower CO2 emissions. For example, Granville Island, home to City Market, one of North America's best farmers' markets, is closed to cars on summer weekends. Curitiba, Brazil
Eschewing the all-for-development mentality that characterizes other regions of Brazil (which has led to the destruction of much of its rain forest), Curitiba is seeking budget-friendly yet eco-friendly solutions to urban problems. For example, a city that sits on a flood plain has designed two parks with artificial lakes that act as a buffer and absorb excess water, rather than building a more expensive dam. This was in 1972. Since then, vacant land around the city has been converted into 33 parks. By the way, here you won’t see lawnmowers stinking of gasoline, but there are plenty of grass-grazing sheep. The most popular parks have their own architectural wonders. For example, the central park of Ibirapuera contains architectural masterpieces by Oscar Niemeyer. And in the park das Pedreiras there is the Wire Opera House, a theater built from steel pipes. The Batel area has a vibrant nightlife with many German, Ukrainian, Italian restaurants that reflect the ethnic diversity of the city. Singapore
Although Singapore has hydrocarbon deposits, it also has lots and lots of sun, which has inspired architects to create stunningly beautiful solar-powered buildings. Foster + Partners has designed towers that span an entire block on Beach Road, complete with solar panels and low-hanging canopies, scheduled for completion in 2016... The city government has launched a project to create gardens along the city's harbor with huge greenhouses supported by green columns that will collect rainwater and generate solar energy. Full of extraordinarily colorful flowers, the greenhouses paint a picture of an eco-friendly future. See the ever-changing face of Singapore, the harbor lined with eco-friendly, electric-powered boats, or climb to the top of ION Orchard for unparalleled views of the city. Later, take a stroll through the city's famous street food trucks, which are raved about by almost every foodie who has ever tried the local Malay and Indian fast food. Chicago, Illinois, USA
Like other US cities, Chicago is struggling with aging infrastructure and has been very successful in doing so. Chicago has added greenery to the skyline and new building standards. The city has launched the Green Roofs program, the essence of which is to cultivate gardens on the roofs of public and private high-rise buildings. The goal: reducing energy consumption, cleaning and cooling the air through green spaces in one of America's most populous cities. City Hall has already greened the roof of the city hall, and Millennium Park is the world's largest green space, located above an underground commuter train station. Moreover, 500 gardens on the roofs of high-rise buildings are scattered throughout the city. The observation deck of the 103-story Willis Tower offers an incredible view of the blooming aerial gardens of Chicago. Down below, you can pedal your bike with the city's new cycling program to explore the shores of world-famous Lake Michigan. Keep in mind that the length of the route is 50 km. Sydney, Australia
What happens when you commission two world-famous architects to transform a defunct brewery into a green city center? Sydney's new Central Park! Architects Norman Foster and Jean Nouvel teamed up to transform a 150-year-old Chippendale factory into a self-sustaining cluster of 11 buildings, ranging from three to 33 storeys high, replete with vertical gardens. The stylish, off-grid, eco-friendly “trigeneration” system, used to heat, cool and power the architectural complex, is so efficient that it will export excess energy to the city's energy grid. Sydney's many vantage points offer stunning views of the bay, city skyline and stunning beaches of Bondi to the east and Manly Bay to the north. Nightlife centers around George Street and The Rocks, where you can enjoy a drink in 19th-century pubs. Visit one of the innovative restaurants serving fresh seafood. Read The greenest cities in Europe
Read blog Cities of the world
The Brazilian city of Curitiba has been on the world's radar over the past few weeks thanks to the hosting of several matches as part of the FIFA World Cup. And only a few know that this metropolis is considered the “green capital of the world.” And today we will tell you about the 5 most environmentally friendly cities on the planet.
Curitiba, Brazil
The history of “green” Curitiba dates back to the seventies of the twentieth century. At a time when the rest of the world was expanding highways, building new interchanges and parking lots, giving preference to personal automobile transport, the mayor of this city, Jaime Lerner, arrogantly declared: “Curitiba is not for cars!” Having an architectural education, he personally took part in the development of a new master plan for the metropolis, which laid down the principles for the development of the city for the next decades.
Green city of Curitiba
This plan was truly revolutionary. For example, it envisaged not a reduction, but an expansion of green areas in the city, including in the central part of Curitiba, waste recycling, energy efficiency, support for producers and sellers of fresh food and, most importantly, transport reform.
Green city of Curitiba
The result was not long in coming. Nowadays, Curitiba is considered one of the most comfortable and comfortable cities in the world. And well-designed public transport in this city is used daily by more than 70 percent of passengers, which is an absolute world record among cities with a population of over 1 million people.
A developed public transport network is the pride and hallmark of Curitiba
The city is so obsessed with efficiency in even the smallest aspects of public life that city lawns are mowed not by gasoline lawn mowers, but by live sheep.
Green city of Curitiba
Curitiba's unique transformation experience has inspired similar programs in hundreds of cities around the world. Lerner and his followers set the highest standard, which is almost impossible to reach.
Vancouver, Canada
Vancouver, Canada, comes closest to Brazilian Curitiba. Over the past decade, this locality has been recognized as “the best city on Earth” four times, which is the result of many years of painstaking work by city authorities and local businesses.
Green City Vancouver
Located on the west coast of Canada, Vancouver has unique natural parameters that allow for the maximum development of wind, solar, and tidal energy. And on all the rivers and rivulets surrounding the city, hundreds of hydroelectric power stations of various sizes have been built. As a result, about 90 percent of the electricity used in Vancouver comes from renewable sources.
Green City Vancouver
Vancouver authorities strongly support electric transport, including public transport. And the total length of bike paths in the city is approaching a thousand kilometers. The use of a personal car is condemned, but the use of a bicycle is strongly encouraged.
Cyclists on the streets of Vancouver
Vancouver is also known for its green spaces. The city has more than two hundred parks and squares, and the length of the landscaped embankment is 30 kilometers.
Reykjavik, Iceland
God himself ordered Reykjavik to be one of the most environmentally friendly cities in the world! It is ironic that Iceland is a much greener island than Greenland, and Greenland is much more snowy and icy than Iceland.
Panorama of Reykjavik
Reykjavik, like many other places in Iceland, has many outlets of hot groundwater. This natural energy is used to generate electricity, heat water, heat homes, and even keep city sidewalks warm throughout the year.
Sidewalks in Reykjavik are heated by thermal waters
But the residents of Reykjavik are not ready to limit themselves only to the benefits that nature generously provides them with. City governments and private entities invest millions of dollars annually in research into the efficient use of resources, as well as the introduction of new, smart technologies.
Thermal water pool in Reykjavik
Many attribute these positive changes to the city's small size, which allows for rapid and efficient innovation. But city officials argue that this option only causes harm. After all, it is much more difficult for a tiny settlement to accumulate a large amount of money for an advanced infrastructure project. And there are a lot of them in Reykjavik! An example is the city bus system, but which only uses hydrogen-powered vehicles. Even in the wealthiest cities, this is rare.
Another exciting project taking place in Reykjavík is an attempt to create a 5 square kilometer carbon neutral zone within the city.
By the way, even the aurora in Reykjavik is green!
Aurora in Reykjavik
Portland, Oregon, USA
The United States of America has never been particularly sensitive to the environment. After all, they did not even sign the Kyoto Protocol, which limits emissions of harmful substances into the atmosphere. But there are cities and regions in this country that put environmental safety on the list of priorities higher than the economy. One of them is Portland.
Panorama of green Portland
Portland has the nickname "City of Roses". After all, it was with these beautiful flowers that the townspeople’s love for everything green, pure and beautiful began. This passion has resulted in Portland being the cleanest, greenest major city in the entire United States.
Japanese Garden in Portland
Portland has a successful light rail and bus rapid transit system. Every year the network of bicycle paths grows by tens of kilometers. City authorities have set strict standards for carbon dioxide emissions into the atmosphere. They have significantly reduced the tax burden for companies involved in the construction of energy-efficient buildings and other environmentally responsible businesses.
A real forest in the Portland city limits
Green space in Portland covers 350 square kilometers, which is much more than half of the city's total area. The density of parks, squares and even forests in the city is so high that on the streets of this locality you can often find hares, foxes and other wild but harmless animals.
Cyclists on the streets of Portland
London, Great Britain
London, of course, is not yet among the top five greenest and most environmentally friendly cities in the world, but it will certainly appear there in the coming years. After all, it is impossible not to pay attention to the dramatic changes that are taking place in the British capital. The city, which a century ago was considered a symbol of thoughtless and harmful industrialization, in which it was impossible to breathe properly due to smog, has now become an example for other megacities in terms of environmental and infrastructural innovation.
In central London
The London authorities, led by the extraordinary Boris Johnson, have taken a clear course to transform London into the green capital of Europe. They limit in every possible way the use of personal motor vehicles and internal combustion engines in general in the city. For example, entry into the center of gasoline and diesel cars costs a lot of money, but electric and hybrid cars can pass completely free of charge.
Green Park in central London
London is trying to catch up and overtake traditionally cycling cities like Amsterdam and Copenhagen. This settlement may in the future become the world's first metropolis with highways, overpasses and multi-level bicycle interchanges running through the entire city. Moreover, Norman Foster personally took on the implementation of this ambitious project.
London has an urban network of public bicycles
There is also a program in London aimed at developing alternative energy sources. Builders are required to equip all new houses with solar panels on their roofs, and owners of existing buildings who decide to undergo such modernization receive tax and utility benefits from the city.
Bridge over the Thames covered with solar panels
Every city has its own path to becoming green. Some, like Reykjavik, are lucky in terms of geography and natural resources. But the city authorities still play the main role in this transformation. Somewhere - single enthusiasts who decided to turn the world upside down, somewhere - teams of like-minded people, united by the desire to make the surrounding space better. At the same time, experience shows that changes should not be expected at the state level - it should always be an initiative from the local level.
Somewhere they decided to make their city “green” half a century ago, somewhere they only came to this idea now. But the tendency towards such a perception of the world is obvious. And the sooner the authorities and the residents of populated areas themselves take on this, the better for all of us.
Today, megacities increasingly appear as a gray cluster of faceless boxes, between which roads snake like a snake. There are fewer and fewer pieces of nature inside cities, because parks are an expensive pleasure in places where land costs millions. Nevertheless, not everyone has forgotten about the environment. There are several cities that can even be called “green”.
This does not mean that they are surrounded by nature and that they are completely environmentally friendly. But here they are constantly making efforts to improve the quality of life of people, to save resources, including natural ones, and to protect the environment. Such cities have parks and ponds. Many cities have a lot to learn from their green counterparts.
Reykjavik, Iceland. There is an old unusual saying in the English language that allows you to remember words based on their funny combination: “Greenland is icy and Iceland is green.” Hardly anything has changed in Greenland itself during this time, but Iceland fully justifies this proverb. Today, the city of Reykjavik is an example of an environmentally friendly capital. Here buses run on hydrogen fuel, and on the island they use geothermal energy for heating and to generate electricity. The Icelandic authorities plan to completely switch to renewable energy sources by 2050. This will make Reykjavik the cleanest city in Europe. The “Land of Ice,” Iceland, will apparently have to change its name with the “Green Land,” Greenland.
Portland, Oregon, USA. In America, it is common for a city to be given a name. So, New York is called the Big Apple, Chicago is the Windy City. But Portland is nicknamed the City of Roses. I must say that it is not by chance. In Portland, the city government is very conscious about the layout and microclimate. As a result, the city is considered one of the most environmentally friendly in the country. Portland became the first place in the United States to impose strict controls on carbon dioxide emissions into the atmosphere. It also has a green building program. Portland has created a system of light subway, high-speed buses and bike paths. This made it possible to draw the attention of residents to public transport, reducing the number of cars. The area of green space in Portland is 350 square kilometers, the total length of park alleys, paths and paths is 120 kilometers. The special pride of the city is the Japanese Garden. Here, on an area of 2 hectares, one of the most authentic Japanese gardens on the planet has been created.
Curitiba, Brazil. This city is considered one of the most comfortable in the country. The pride of Curitiba is its ideal public transport system. In the city, 75% of residents prefer to use it rather than personal cars. Curitiba's bus rapid transit lines serve as a benchmark for other cities. There are 54 square meters of green space for each resident. Order on the lawns is maintained in an unusual way - there are no gasoline lawn mowers, instead flocks of live sheep are responsible for keeping order. This solution is both environmentally friendly and pleasant for children. The authorities' love for the environment gives results - 99% of Curitiba residents are happy to live here.
Malmo, Sweden. This city is literally buried in gardens and parks. Malmö is the standard for smart and environmentally friendly urban management. Malmö is the third largest city in Sweden. They are trying to make their city even greener and therefore are carrying out a number of environmental reforms.
Vancouver, Canada. Vancouver, Canada is also the third largest in its country. The city has a unique location - between the mountains and the sea. This largely determined its appearance and microclimate. As a result, Vancouver is considered one of the most beautiful and prosperous cities on the planet. The English publication The Economist has recognized Vancouver as the best city on Earth four times. They take the environment seriously here - a plan has been developed to improve the climate for as long as 100 years, and it is being impeccably implemented. Today, 90% of all city electricity is generated from renewable sources. The city is powered by hydroelectric power, wind, solar and tidal power. Vancouver has more than 200 parks and squares, as well as about 30 kilometers of ocean coastline.
Copenhagen, Denmark. In Denmark, they have learned to use wind energy for the benefit of the city. In 2000, not far from Copenhagen, right in the Øresund Strait, an unusual industrial facility was built. The Middelgrunden wind farm supplies 5% of the Danish capital with energy. The use of this type of natural resource in Denmark is generally considered the best in the world; more than 90% of the electricity generated by wind is exported. In Copenhagen itself, a new eco-friendly metro has been operating for 10 years, and the city itself has more than once received European awards for the best environmental management system. The capital of Denmark is considered one of the most cycling cities on the continent. Not only is it fashionable and environmentally friendly, it is also good for health.
London, Great Britain. Despite the fact that London is one of the largest and most active metropolises in the world, the city hall is working to make it one of the greenest places in the world. The city has recently adopted initiatives to control climate change, which is evidenced by the city's development. According to the mayor of Livingston's plans, a quarter of London's needs should be supplied by renewable sources. Over the next quarter century, carbon dioxide emissions into the atmosphere of the metropolis should be reduced by 60%. The authorities provide benefits to those residents who decide to convert their homes to alternative energy sources. You can drive a petrol car into the center of London only for money - this is the mayor's step in the fight against exhaust emissions. You have to pay the most for SUVs, but electric cars and hybrid vehicles drive through absolutely unhindered.
San Francisco, California, USA. In San Francisco, every second resident uses public transport, walks or bikes every day. More than 17% of the city's area is allocated for parks and green spaces. In 2001, residents approved a program to introduce energy-saving and generating plants based on wind and solar energy. The green innovation will cost the city $100 million. San Francisco also prohibits the use of non-recyclable plastic bags and children's plastic toys containing hazardous substances.
Bahia de Caraquez, Ecuador. The small South American town has a population of only 20 thousand people. In the mid-1990s, it was hit by a series of natural disasters. However, residents, together with the authorities, not only restored it, but also made it even more convenient for life. In 1999, Bahia de Caraques received the title of eco-city. This is the greenest city in Ecuador; environmental students come here to study and ecotourists come here to relax. The city has developed programs for the conservation of biological species, new plantings are being created to replace old plantings, and people are fighting against soil destruction. The world's first certified shrimp farm has opened in Bahia de Caraques.
Sydney, Australia. It was Australia that became the first country in the world to ban old incandescent lamps at the state level. Residents of Sydney went even further in their fight for the environment - everyone in the city voluntarily turned off electricity for an hour. So the Australians tried to draw humanity's attention to the problem of global warming. In Sydney itself, carbon dioxide emissions into the atmosphere are monitored quite strictly; food waste is carefully disposed of here. This is what allows the metropolis to be considered the “greenest” modern city in the Southern Hemisphere.
Barcelona, Spain. Walking is all the rage in Barcelona. More than 37% of all movements in the capital of Catalonia are made by residents on their own feet. For those who still drive cars, convenient and environmentally friendly parking lots have been created. Thanks to the sunny climate, in Barcelona most of the electricity is generated naturally from the sun. The city authorities carefully monitor the development of the metropolis; all areas are growing evenly. As a result, slums and poor neighborhoods simply have nowhere to come from.
Bogota, Colombia. For most of us, Colombia is a country of drug dealers, coffee and slums. But these stereotypes must be fought. At the beginning of the century, the mayor of Bogotá introduced a bus rapid transit system. It turned out to be so profitable and convenient that half of the capital’s population switched to public transport. The load on roads has decreased by 40%. Thanks to high gasoline taxes, people are gradually switching to electric and hybrid cars. All conditions have been created for pedestrians - safe and beautiful sidewalks, green parks and bicycle paths.
Bangkok, Thailand. If large cities are increasingly immersed in clouds of dust and emissions, then Bangkok is purposefully moving towards its literally bright future. The mayor of the city even put cooking at the service of the environment. From now on, Bangkok residents can recycle waste vegetable oil. They will be used to create biological fuel for transport. Bangkok is gradually reducing the amount of harmful emissions into the atmosphere from industry and transport. And although the air here still cannot be called ideal, progress is obvious. Bangkok is gradually turning into a green city.
Kampala, Uganda. In developing countries, large cities have similar environmental problems, but Kampala has managed to overcome them. Like many other capitals, this city is located on seven hills, and the surrounding area is truly beautiful. However, the authorities are under pressure from problems of poverty and air pollution. Hybrid cars are too expensive for Africa. Many Kampala residents come from rural areas and are accustomed to earthworks. Local authorities managed to find a compromise, making farming near Kampala not only efficient, but also aesthetically pleasing. The city should soon replace inefficient minibuses with high-speed buses, and plans to begin controlling carbon dioxide emissions. So the capital of Uganda is developing in the right, “green” direction.
Austin, Texas, USA. The sun is shining very brightly in Texas. It's no coincidence that Austin has become the nation's largest solar power generation site. It allows you to satisfy 20% of the needs of the urban economy. The local energy company, Austin Energy, sets the tone for the state's energy policy. Thanks to her, green initiatives are being introduced in other states. In Austin itself, 15% of the city's territory is given over to parks and green spaces. Cyclists have plenty of places to ride - the network of bicycle paths stretches for 50 kilometers. And all this green splendor was created in a desert state!