Global Sustainable Cities

Let's take a look at some sustainable cities around the world! They are all gaining recognition for their efforts in promoting sustainable practices and environmental conservation.

1. Copenhagen, Denmark

This city uses discarded wool, refuse and straw (as well as human and animal waste!) to produce heat, electricity and biofuel. 62% of those living in the city commute to work or school using bikes. It has a goal of being carbon neutral by 2025.

2. Vancouver, Canada

They have planted more than 122,000 trees in the city since 2010 and their emissions are amongst the lowest in North America. Vancouver also has an admirable goal of being a zero-waste city by 2040.

3. Curitiba, Brazil

Recycling is top of the agenda in Curitiba! Over 70% of all their waste is recycled. This is so much larger than any other city in the world! They have built 28 public parks and surrounded all urban areas of the city with fields full of grass. This combats flooding and they use sheep to main the length of the grass rather than lawn mowers!

4. Reykjavik, Iceland

Home to the largest geothermal heating system, Reykjavik gets almost all its heating and electricity from geothermal and hydroelectrical energy sources. Their goal is to be carbon neutral by 2040.

How sustainable is your home city? Why not do some research to find out!

You can check out our sustainable city teaching resources here