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1. Stockholm, Sweden
Since being awarded the European Green Capital award in 2010, the Swedish capital has continued to develop green projects and has successfully reduced its carbon emissions by 25% compared to the 1990s.
The city aims to become fossil fuel-free (fuels containing high levels of carbon and hydrocarbons) by 2050. Measures being implemented include improving public transportation, reducing waste, and enhancing biodiversity.
Stockholm has 760 km of dedicated bicycle paths, and approximately 150,000 people use bicycles for their daily commute.
2. Wellington, New Zealand
Wellington is one of New Zealand's most populous regions, despite having just over 400,000 people. Its small population, abundant sea breezes, and the authorities' energy conservation and waste management programs contribute to its clean environment.
In particular, Wellington has many trees along its western perimeter and corridors.
3. Canberra, Australia
Canberra is known as Australia's "green capital," boasting a 250-hectare nursery with approximately 44,000 trees. The city is one of the few places that uses 100% renewable energy for electricity production, alongside cities in Austria, Germany, and Spain.
In addition, the small population (around 400,000 people) is also an advantage that helps the city maintain its clean environment.
4. Ottawa, Canada
In 1950, a French architect proposed creating a green belt of over 32,000 hectares within the city. This helped mitigate the environmental impacts of urban development. Ottawa also strongly encourages the use of bicycles as a means of transportation.
5. Edinburgh, Scotland
The capital of Scotland was once known for its pollution from toxic smog and the foul smell of sewage. However, since the 1770s, Edinburgh has undergone a major transformation with new urban planning and construction projects. Today, the city is one of the cleanest capitals in Europe.
6. Montevideo, Uruguay
Montevideo is the capital and largest city of Uruguay. With over a million inhabitants, the city is known for its beaches, colonial architecture, and vineyards. Along with its clean air and thriving economy and culture, Montevideo is considered to have one of the highest quality of life in all of Latin America.
7. Tallinn, Estonia
With its medieval design, the city is built with imposing walls and narrow, cobblestone streets. Therefore, it's not an ideal place to drive a car or any other motorized vehicle. Along with its advantageous coastal location and abundant green spaces, Estonia's capital has consistently ranked among the world's least polluted cities.
8. Helsinki, Finland
Often referred to as "the daughter of the Baltic Sea," Helsinki sits on the edge of a large peninsula with 315 islands. Despite being the political, educational, financial, and cultural center of Finland, Helsinki does not suffer from overpopulation, as it is considered "one of the cities with the highest living standards in the world."
The Helsinki authorities are building a high-quality public transport system, aiming to reduce the number of cars in the city by 2025. Currently, the more than 3,800 km of bicycle paths in the Finnish capital are receiving positive support from the public.
9. Monaco
Located in a narrow strait south of France, on the Côte d'Azur coast, Monaco's territory stretches over 3 km in length and is no more than 200 to 300 meters wide.
According to the WHO, this sunny city has low PM 2.5 concentrations due to its sparse population (38,000 people) and lack of industry.
10. Madrid, Spain
People in Madrid particularly prefer walking to using vehicles. Bars and restaurants are ubiquitous on most streets, making walking a relatively easy option. Furthermore, affordable public transport contributes to Madrid's reputation as one of the least polluted capitals in the world.
