#2025 HAPPY CITY INDEX This City is what it is because our citizens are what they are. (Plato)

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Theme Environment Leaders – Cities with the Best Environmental Practices

Urban development is not only about infrastructure and economy but also about a profound responsibility for the natural environment. Environmental awareness directly impacts the health, satisfaction, and overall well-being of both current residents and future generations.

As part of the Theme Environment assessment, we examined the use and promotion of renewable energy sources, energy efficiency, and measures to combat pollution. Our evaluation included municipal environmental policies, such as conscious sustainability strategies, as well as their tangible effects – including PM10 air pollution levels.

Another crucial factor was waste management and recycling awareness. We assessed the percentage of waste that is recycled and the effectiveness of municipal efforts to increase sustainability. Additionally, we analysed the water and sewage infrastructure, providing a comprehensive picture of the most environmentally friendly cities.

Protecting the environment is not just about reducing pollution – it is also about consciously creating green spaces and building cities alongside nature, not instead of it. The top cities in this category stand out for their development of parks, protected areas, and eco-friendly urban spaces that integrate modern living with respect for nature.

Below, we present the 15 leaders of Theme Environment, the cities that excel in sustainable urban development and environmental protection.

City Environment Ranking

City Environment Ranking

Rank City Country Environment
1VancouverCanada222
2AdelaideAustralia217
3ParisFrance207
4CopenhagenDenmark192
5TaipeiTaiwan Region192
6San Diego, CAUnited States190
7RotterdamNetherlands188
8BristolUnited Kingdom187
9AucklandNew Zealand183
10BerlinGermany182
11Minneapolis, MNUnited States179
12Columbus, OHUnited States179
13YorkUnited Kingdom179
14CorkIreland178
15Washington, DCUnited States177

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