Since 2015, the Arcadis, a global consulting firm that operates in various areas, in partnership with the United Nations Human Settlements Programme, has developed a ranking of the most sustainable cities in the world. In total, 100 cities are analyzed in more than 40 countries, based on three pillars: environmental, social and economic.
Cities play an important role in fight against climate change and in the evolution to a more sustainable lifestyle 'for being a focus of energy consumption and waste production, which gives them the chance to simultaneously become leaders in' energy transition for cleaner sources and in changing consumption and environmental behaviors.
THE top 10 of Arcadis ranking (which you can consult below) is marked by the presence of European cities: Oslo was considered, in 2022, the most sustainable city in the world. The second place is occupied by Stockholm, in Sweden, and the third by Tokyo, in Japan.
Image source: Iberdrola
The reasons that make it so that Oslo "Leading the ranking are several. In first place, the Norwegian capital has" sustainable public transport means. On the other hand, the abundance of green spaces and the good air quality are a reflection of public policies aimed at maintaining prosperity in the European capital, which is also notable for the responsible use of electricity.
In turn, Stockholm comes in second place mainly due to the social factor. The balance between personal life and work is the main highlight of the city, which also shows good results regarding air quality. The Swedish capital is also known for its commitment to reducing carbon emissions.
Closing the top 3, Tokyo, the only Asian city among the top twenty is highlighted, especially for its economic factor and also for its gigantic transportation infrastructure. The Japanese capital has, over the years, made significant efforts to promote sustainability in various fields beyond transportation, such as in energy efficiency, waste management, and environmental awareness among the population.
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