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 carbon emissions by 25% compared to the 1990s.
The city aims to be fossil fuel-free by 2050. The measures include improving public transport, cutting waste and increasing biodiversity.
In Stockholm there are 760 km of dedicated bicycle lanes and about 150,000 people travel by this means every day.
2. Wellington, New Zealand
Wellington is one of New Zealand's most densely populated areas, despite having just over 400,000 people. The small population, plenty of sea breezes, and the authorities' energy efficiency and waste management programs help keep the city clean.
In particular, Wellington also has many trees in the western belt and corridor.
3. Canberra, Australia
Canberra is known as the "green capital" of Australia with a 250-hectare nursery, containing about 44,000 trees. The city is one of the places that uses 100% renewable energy in electricity production, along with cities in Austria, Germany and Spain.
In addition, the small population (about 400,000 people) is also an advantage that helps this city maintain its purity.
4. Ottawa, Canada
In 1950, a French architect proposed creating a green belt covering more than 32,000 hectares in the city. This helped to offset the environmental impacts of urban development. Ottawa also strongly encouraged people to use bicycles as a means of transportation.
5. Edinburgh, Scotland
Scotland's capital was once known for its toxic smog and foul-smelling sewage. However, since the 1770s, Edinburgh has made a big change with new urban planning and construction projects. Today, the city has become one of the cleanest capitals in Europe.
6. Montevideo, Uruguay
Montevideo is the capital and largest city of Uruguay. With over one million inhabitants, the city is known for its beaches, colonial architecture and vineyards. Combined with its clean air and thriving economy and culture, Montevideo is considered to have 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, so it is not the ideal place to drive a car or any other type of motor vehicle. Coupled with its coastal location and abundant green space, the Estonian capital has appeared on the list of the least polluted cities in the world.
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, cultural center of Finland, Helsinki does not suffer from overpopulation, as it is considered "one of the cities with the highest standard of living in the world".
The Helsinki government is building a high-quality public transport system, aiming to reduce car use in the city by 2025. Currently, the more than 3,800 km long cycling route in the Finnish capital receives positive support from the people.
9. Monaco
Located in a small strait in the south of France, on the coast of the Côte d'Azur, the territory of Monaco stretches over 3 km, with a width not exceeding 200 m to 300 m.
According to 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 prefer walking to driving. Bars and restaurants are found on most streets, making walking a breeze. In addition, public transport is affordable, helping Madrid to be ranked among the least polluted capitals in the world.
