The world’s most sustainable cities
What are some of the world’s most sustainable cities?
As our world becomes increasingly urbanised, the role of cities in shaping our future has never been more critical. The Sustainable Cities Index, released by Arcadis, sheds light on the global landscape of sustainability. It emphasises the urgency of transitioning from profit-centric models to holistic sustainability and practices for a better future. We explored the key findings of the index and the importance of sustainable cities in our rapidly changing world.
The Index
Arcadis' Sustainable Cities Index evaluates 100 global cities in terms of their overall sustainability performance. The index ranks these cities on three crucial pillars: the natural environment (planet), the social infrastructure (people) and the economy (profit). It encompasses 51 different metrics across 26 separate indicator themes, providing a comprehensive view of urban sustainability.
Top 10 Most Sustainable Cities
Leading the index is Oslo, the vibrant Norwegian city, renowned for its commitment to sustainability. Joining Oslo in the top 10 are other European capitals including Stockholm, Copenhagen, and Berlin. Notably, Seattle and San Francisco from North America also feature prominently. These cities have set remarkable examples of balancing prosperity with sustainability, emphasising that there is more to success than profit alone.
Full Top 10 List:
Oslo
Stockholm
Tokyo
Copenhagen
Berlin
London
Seattle
Paris
San Francisco
Amsterdam
The Three Pillars of Sustainability:
Planet: Cities must prioritise environmental responsibility. Sustainable transportation, reduced carbon emissions, green spaces, and efficient waste management are essential elements of a planet-friendly city.
People: Quality of life, inclusivity, and social well-being are equally crucial. Investments in healthcare, education, housing, and cultural diversity enhance the overall well-being of urban citizens.
Profit: Economic success is a vital component of sustainability, but it should not overshadow the well-being of the people and the planet. A balanced approach ensures that profit benefits all, rather than exacerbating inequalities.
A Holistic Approach to Urban Sustainability
The Arcadis Sustainable Cities Index reinforces the importance of a holistic approach to urban sustainability. It emphasises that cities must strike a delicate balance between these three pillars to ensure a prosperous and harmonious future.
The report warns against the myopic focus on profitability. Cities that solely chase profit often experience soaring costs of living, which can lead to increased income inequality, homelessness, and unemployment. This issue is evident in cities where the wealth gap has grown significantly.
Leading by Example
On the flip side, cities that invest in social infrastructure, environmental nurturing, and policies aimed at improving the quality of life for their citizens are on a more sustainable path to long-term prosperity. Stockholm, Tokyo, and Amsterdam are notable examples of cities that have balanced profitability with people and the planet.
“Every city is unique with its own blend of strengths and weaknesses,” highlights John Batten, Arcadis Global Cities Director.
There is no one-size-fits-all solution for sustainability. Cities worldwide face rising costs, pushing many to a tipping point where affordability becomes a concern. A city's profitability is not sustainable if its residents are priced out, emphasising the need for a broader approach to urban development.
The Road Ahead
In a world where urbanisation is rapidly increasing, the Arcadis Sustainable Cities Index serves as a wake-up call. It encourages cities to rethink their priorities, steering away from the unsustainable pursuit of profit alone. Sustainability is the path to a better future, and cities play a pivotal role in achieving this.
The Index underscores the need for a holistic approach to urban sustainability. Cities must strike a balance between profitability, environmental responsibility, and social well-being to create a prosperous and equitable future. As we move toward a world where the majority of us will live in cities, it's essential to prioritise sustainability to ensure a better quality of life for all. A city’s ranking serves as a valuable gauge of its efforts and a call to action for a better future for all.