The greenest cities in the world

How important are trees in a metropolis, a large city? A lot, a lot: and they can make a difference. So much so that more and more public administrators, mayors, and councilors are trying to increase the number of trees in their cities, even though they often fail to ensure proper maintenance.

There is even a “visible green” index of major international metropolises, calculated by Treepedia (a website developed by the "Senseable City Lab" at MIT in Boston, a research laboratory led by Italian architect Carlo Ratti): a ranking where Singapore, Sydney, and Vancouver top the list, with Italy represented only by the city of Turin (thirteenth place). The Piedmontese capital boasts a natural heritage of 170 trees and 23,94 square meters of greenery per inhabitant, making it literally a green island in our country.

But, aside from the MIT index, there are several rankings drawn up by authoritative sources that more or less all point in the same direction, classifying these as the ten greenest cities in the world.

Singapore

It is the city ​​with the most trees in the worldThis is established by the ranking drawn up by Treepedia. Analyzing the images present on Google Street View, the MIT platform in Boston calculated the percentage of tree cover in the Asian city-state, with a visible greenness index of 29,3%. This percentage is expected to increase by 2030, with the goal of having 85% of Singapore residents living within 400 meters of a public park.

Aside from gardens and green roofs, Singapore has built the futuristic park “Gardens by the Bay", which houses climate-controlled greenhouses, and structures such as the “supertree grove“, huge artificial trees that are also functional, collecting solar energy and contributing to local climate management.

Sidney

Here the visible green index exceeds 25 percent. Sydney boasts numerous parks and green spaces, including the famous Royal Botanic Garden e Centennial Park, which offer residents and tourists the opportunity to enjoy natural environments within the city. These spaces are designed not only for aesthetics, but also to improve air quality and community well-being. Like the public and private facilities that have made this metropolis the world capital for recycling of rainwater.

Vancouver

The Canadian city comes in third place, but tied with Sydney with an index of 25,9%. Renewable energies, cycle paths, electric public transport and waste recycling. As well as zero environmental impact buildings and the spread of a greater sensitivity towards nature are some of the key aspects of this city's urban development. Among the natural spaces, we highlight Stanley Park, one of the largest urban parks in the world.

Sacramento

Sacramento, in the United States, is the first representative of the United States. The Californian capital boasts a tree cover index of 23,6%A great achievement considering that America is one of the countries that contributes most to global pollution. But there are also excellences, like this one, which benefits from its proximity to the heart of innovation: the Silicon ValleyHowever, they are damaged by very cumbersome neighbors, in terms of emissions. One example above all: Los Angeles.

Frankfurt

The German metropolis It is the first European city in the ranking with an index of 21,5%There are many ongoing projects dedicated to nature and sustainability.The city is home to numerous parks, green roofs and redeveloped urban spaces. 

Its commitment is reflected in one of Europe's most environmentally friendly public transportation systems, which has drastically reduced CO₂ emissions and encouraged citizens to use sustainable modes of transportation. Added to this is its focus on sustainable architecture: many of the city's buildings, such as the headquarters of the European Central Bank, are designed with energy efficiency in mind.

Copenhagen

She is famous for her commitment to the sustainability, with numerous parks, gardens, cycle paths, and an eco-friendly public transport network. Private construction has also been heavily influenced by "green" choices. For example, many buildings feature rooftop gardens, helping to improve air quality and reduce the urban heat island effect.

Oslo

Oslo is rich in parks and green spaces, perfect for those who want to relax and connect with nature. Between the large forests that surround it and the shores of the fjord, the city is working hard to protect and enhance these spaces, making them an integral part of everyday life.

Furthermore, the Norwegian capital is extremely attentive to sustainability: it focuses heavily on renewable energy, efficient public transport, boasts numerous cycle paths and carefully manages its natural resources.

Amsterdam

Try walking around VondelparkYou'll be amazed by the extraordinary beauty of this green lung located right in the city center. A precious gem where a stop is a must, even to rest after long walks around the city. Also not to be missed is the Beatrix Park, especially in autumn.

To these natural beauties, add a network of cycle paths urban development that has no equal in the world, and the objective, enshrined in the government's plans, of making the Dutch capital, by 2050, a completely zero-emission metropolis.

Berlin

Berlin can boast a wonderful system of tree-lined urban parks This makes it one of the greenest cities in Europe. A must-see for those who spend a lot of time in its parks, thanks also to the numerous activities organized here, year-round.

Among the most famous ones stand out the Zoo, a green oasis in the heart of the city, ideal for long walks and pleasant moments of relaxation. Tempelhofer Feld, a former airport transformed into a huge open space for sports and leisure, and the Friedrichshain public park.

Portland

Oregon is one of the greenest cities in the United States, thanks to its commitment to sustainability and the abundance of trees and green spaces. The city is home to over 200 parks, including the famous Forest Park, one of the largest urban parks in the country, with over 5.000 acres of forest. The city also boasts an extensive network of bike paths, botanical gardens such as the Lan Su Chinese Garden and Portland Japanese Garden, and a high number of ecological initiatives that promote conservation and respect for the environment.

Read also:

• Benefits of trees in the city
• Mapping city trees to encourage governments to do more
• Trees adopted by citizens
• When a city can be called sustainable

Opening photo by Igor Ovsyannykov from Pixabay