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Presenting the Greenest Cities

Although many decisions are made on a global level, the majority of the environmental work is conducted on a local basis. Hence, we have decided to invite some of the world’s greenest cities based on information from ICLEI. Each of them will give us their green story.

Singapore

Singapore stands out in particular for its ambitious environmental targets and its efficient approach to achieving them. The country’s many policies, incentive programs and public awareness campaigns have worked well in improving its urban environment. What is even more commendable about Singapore is that the government is constantly partnering with the private sector to find new and innovative ways to boost the sustainability of the island-nation.

Darwin

Darwin, the capital city of the Northern Territory in Australia, has a very high biodiversity. The city possesses a high level of habitat connectivity, with a significant number of lands allocated for conservation purposes.The Darwin Renewable Energy facility produces electricity from methane gas harvested from a landfill and is the first of its kind in the Northern Territory. Graeme Sawyer, Lord Mayor, Darwin City Council, will be representing Darwin.

Durban

The Durban Metropolitan Council is actively involved in promoting integrated waste management for the metropolitan area. This includes promoting recycling and waste management, identifying safe sites for future land disposal and improving management of existing landfilled sites. There are a wide range of recycling initiatives taking place in the Durban Metropolitan Area (DMA). Joanne Boulle, Manager of Policy Implementation, Environmental Planning and Climate Protection Department, eThekwini Municipality, will be representing Durban.

Curitiba

The city has succeeded in introducing a Green Exchange employment programme to the benefit of the environment and socially deprived groups. Low income families living in the favelas, shantytowns out of reach of the city’s dustcarts, can exchange their rubbish bags for bus tickets and food. Children can exchange reusable waste with school articles, chocolate, toys and tickets to entertainment events. The project results in less household waste in the streets as well as in sensitive areas such as rivers and parks. Leny Toniolo, Specialist in Environmental Issues, Secretariat for the Environment, will be representing Curitiba.

Seattle

Seattle is one of two ports in the U.S. to provide shore power to cruise ships, allowing them to shut down engines while docked, reducing pollution. The city also operate metro hybrid diesel-electric buses (winner of Clean Air Excellence Award), electric trolleys and Green Cab Seattle’s all-hybrid taxi fleet to offer earth-friendly transportation options. Richard Conlin, President, Seattle City council, will be representing Seattle.

Växjö

For a long time, Växjö has worked proactively and successfully with building systems based on natural cycles and thence minimizing the harmful exposure on humans and the climate. In 1996, the decision to make the municipality free from fossil fuel was made and today large parts of heating and electricity are so. The big challenge is perceived in reducing the emissions from transports.  Anna Tenje, Chairperson of Technical Services Board, Municipality of Växjö, will be representing Växjö.