1. Singapore
The government of Singapore initiated the Green and Clean Singapore campaign over 20 years ago and is still ongoing. The city has implemented policies for recycling all wastewater, providing a reliable public transportation system. Moreover, Singapore has planted 54 hectares of 'super trees' to provide shade, refuge for animals, and green spaces. These 'super trees' are constructed with metal frames, and then various climbing plants are grown from the base to the top. The Singapore government hopes these green trees will become a symbol of efforts to achieve natural balance and convey the importance of environmental conservation to the public.
Singapore should be called a green city, quite literally! Rows of green trees are planted along every street, from highways to suburban roads. Amidst high-rise buildings and concrete blocks, there is the presence of the Botanical Gardens, HortPark, MacRitchie Reservoir, and Bukit Timah Nature Reserve, which are gardens and conservation areas with a variety of flora and fauna. If you need a serene and peaceful place, the Singapore Botanic Gardens will be an ideal destination. This tranquil oasis has attracted tourists over the years with its National Orchid Garden, a tropical forest area with a lake and exotic plant species from around the world.
2. Amsterdam, Netherlands
As a relatively small city, getting around and finding parking for two-wheelers is much easier in Amsterdam compared to four-wheelers. This is why the number of bicycles in the city exceeds the headcount. This contributes to Amsterdam having a very clean environment. However, city planners continuously seek green initiatives to further reduce pollution and make Amsterdam one of the most livable cities globally. Not only Venice is the city of canals; Amsterdam is also surrounded by numerous beautiful canals. Despite being the political, economic, and cultural center of the Netherlands, Amsterdam retains the charm of an ancient city with small canals and vibrant houses along the canal banks. Raamgracht is considered the most beautiful canal in the city, offering you the chance to fully enjoy peaceful living amidst the fragrance of blooming flowers.
For many consecutive years, Amsterdam has consistently ranked among the top 10 “greenest” cities in the world. This small country boasts the third-largest airport in Europe, named Schiphol, adjacent to the Amsterdamse Bos National Forest with an area of 10 km2 - three times larger than Central Park in the United States. This extensive “green lung” with dozens of large and small parks along the canals creates a wonderfully fresh and spacious environment.
3. Copenhagen, Denmark
According to the Global Green Economy Index, data from 2015 reveals that Copenhagen is the greenest city globally. The city's policies aim to reduce CO2 emissions by 20% in the future. Copenhagen boasts an extensive public transportation system. Additionally, the residents here have a habit of cycling, but that seems not enough for the nature-loving citizens. Architects continue to implement planning strategies and install green roofs along with an efficient waste management system, making this city even greener.
The capital of the happy nation is where you can sail on solar-powered boats and enjoy organic food at every corner. Copenhagen has long prioritized sustainability. They are continuing various initiatives and efforts to make the capital carbon-neutral by 2025. The city's public buses are transitioning from diesel to electric, and the roads are increasingly expanding for non-motorized vehicles, with two new bridges built specifically for bicycles. Copenhagen is considered the capital of bicycles, where even politicians ride bikes to work daily. You can also rent electric bikes at affordable rates.
4. Vancouver, Canada
Vancouver is the city with the highest housing costs not only in Canada but also in North America. However, this is entirely justified because Vancouver has the world's highest energy efficiency, with a total of 93% of the electricity used in the city generated from sustainable sources. Beyond the city's suburbs are steep mountains standing by the sea. Dense, year-round green forests form a sharp contrast to the city's most beautiful commercial and outdoor sports areas. Vancouver truly deserves to be a green, clean, and beautiful city, maintaining Canada's cleanest environment, home to the headquarters of the Green Peace organization. It is the fourth-highest quality of life city on the planet and the 10th cleanest city on our planet. This explains why, according to Forbes, Vancouver is one of the most expensive real estate markets in the world and the second-highest in North America, after Los Angeles.
The people of Vancouver know how to take advantage of their breathtaking natural landscapes. Whenever they feel tired of the surrounding scenery, they just need to take a short walk to relax, immerse themselves in the vast, wild landscape that remains untouched since prehistoric times. Here they can canoe, swim, hike on long trails, ski, play golf or tennis...
5. Stockholm, Sweden
Recognized for its longstanding commitment to environmental sustainability, Stockholm has been hailed as the greenest city in Europe, setting high standards for elevated living conditions in harmony with the environment. In 2010, the city of Stockholm in Sweden became the first European city to win the prestigious 'Green Capital' award, thanks to innovative and environmentally friendly plans. Since 1990, Stockholm has significantly reduced its emissions by 25%, with a projected plan to completely phase out fossil fuels by 2050.
Every residential area in Stockholm boasts extensive green spaces that provide clean air, a concept that many developed countries overlook in new urban projects, preferring to prioritize construction. Cleanliness here not only pertains to environmental hygiene but also emphasizes the notion of 'clean energy.' 80% of households are connected to district heating, and 83% of the energy used for heating comes from clean sources.
6. Berlin, Germany
The capital Berlin also makes it to the list of the greenest cities globally. The abundance of parks and public gardens throughout the city attests to Berlin's deserving inclusion. Moreover, the capital of Germany has regulations that only allow environmentally compliant vehicles with new emission standards to enter the city. Berlin is the hub of the Berlin-Brandenburg metropolitan region, hosting around 4.5 million people from over 190 countries. Situated in the European Plain, Berlin experiences a temperate seasonal climate. Approximately one-third of the city's area is covered by forests, parks, gardens, rivers, and lakes, maintaining a fresh atmosphere. It is rightfully known as Germany's green city.
The central area of Berlin strictly enforces environmental protection, allowing only certified environmentally-friendly vehicles into the 'core zone.' Despite the bustling life, the people of Berlin are not noisy or rushed; they find moments for relaxation. Whether on the subway or buses, there is no sign of hustle and bustle; people ascend and descend with smooth and unhurried steps...
7. London, United Kingdom
Despite its reputation as a city of fog, London stands out as one of the green, clean, and beautiful cities in the world. London is working to shed its industrial image by increasing the number of pocket parks within the city, along with constructing green rooftop gardens. London is also a city where people prefer cycling as a means of transportation, supported by a convenient public transportation system. Famous parks such as Hyde, Regent's, Holland, and the Royal Botanic Gardens in the capital city of the United Kingdom have long been known through literary works and cinematography. These extensive green spaces are not only a source of pride for Londoners but also contribute to creating unique cultural communities, attracting a massive number of tourists worldwide to visit every year.
Greenery has proven to bring many environmental and social benefits. On one hand, they cool London and improve air quality; on the other hand, they enhance the city's resilience to climate change, improve the health of the capital's residents by providing safe recreational areas. Urban greenery not only enhances London's international image but also helps the capital of the United Kingdom maintain its status as one of the most livable cities in the world.
8. Helsinki, Finland
The Nordic region, a mystical land that captivates many Asians, holds a special allure for travelers. Finland, in particular, and its capital Helsinki are among the most notable destinations. The romantic and opulent scenery of ancient fortresses, serene cobblestone streets, and the unique temperate nature make Helsinki a hotter travel spot than ever.
The city of Helsinki initiated its green city development program in the 1950s, encouraging residents to use public transportation and bicycles. Today, Helsinki has evolved into a captivating tourist spot with its carpeted streets, environmentally friendly transportation, and fresh air.
Your first stop on the Helsinki exploration journey should be the leaf-strewn boulevard, Esplanadin Puisto. This place, also known as a miniature 'Champs Elysees of Paris,' offers a chance to admire the bronze statue of Amanda, a girl with her chin resting on her hand, surrounded by the heads of four sea lions right in the center of the market square. This is considered a symbol of Helsinki.
9. New York, USA
The United States is renowned not only for its towering skyscrapers and vibrant, modern, sparkling cityscape but also for the presence of the green lungs, Central Park, nestled in the heart of New York City. New York stands out as the greenest city in the United States. The city's emissions are remarkably low considering its size and population, achieved primarily through the residents' reliance on public transportation. Environmental friendliness is a top priority in urban construction.
Central Park, sprawling over 843 acres, is a cool green oasis amidst the bustling city and towering skyscrapers. Almost every visitor to New York sets foot in this luxurious Manhattan park. With a mission to be the city's green lung, Central Park offers a refreshing, serene space, allowing you to feel truly peaceful and relaxed, free from the worries of daily life. It regulates the climate and provides a clean green environment for the city's residents. This iconic park has added a fascinating touch to New York, attracting numerous American tourists.
10. Oslo, Norway
Oslo, a historic city on the Scandinavian peninsula, founded during the reign of King Harald III, became the capital of Norway in 1048. It is a central hub for politics, culture, science, economics, and maritime activities in Norway. Beyond being an economic powerhouse, Oslo is a stunning city, nestled between expansive mountain ranges and endless stretches of sea.
While Norway stands as one of the world's major oil and gas producers, its capital city is undergoing a green revolution. The city authorities aim to ambitiously reduce emissions by 95% by 2030, a feasible target despite being one of Europe's rapidly developing cities.
Two-thirds of Oslo's area comprises forests, farmland, and meandering rivers. Even the city's heating system is environmentally friendly, with 80% sourced from renewable energy. Oslo's current green status is the result of long-standing regulations by the city government to preserve green spaces.
Distinguished as Europe's Green Capital, Oslo serves as an ambassador for sustainable urban development, sharing and promoting practices with the hope of inspiring other cities to make similar transformative changes.