Top 10 sustainable approaches cities have taken that you need to know about

Cities all over the globe are becoming more and more conscious regarding their impact on the planet. Climate change, the exhaustion of non-renewable energy sources and general health are some of the essential issues a modern-day city has to face. Becoming aware of the actual ecological footprint of our settlements and trying to decrease them as much as possible are the most crucial goals our cities must set for the safe functioning of the ecosystem. Cityworld provides information about the latest and most efficient sustainable approaches taken by some of the greenest cities in the world. Here is a selection of the 10 most interesting initiatives: 10. Paris The city was amongst the winners, along with London, at the prestigious Sustainable Transport Award in 2008, the most esteemed distinction for ecological transport and urban liveability. A bicycle sharing programme named Vlib' has been lowering carbon emissions in Paris since its founding in 2007. A stock of 20,000 bicycles is serving the need of around 250,000 users. The next step will be the introduction of the electric bikes, currently in progress, which will raise the number of cyclists even more. Decreased speed limits are also a quick way of lowering CO2 emissions. Read more about Paris [http://www.cityworld.com/ce/detail/id/6538a5e18651-4dee-8c7c-bc08320c50db?37] or Vlib' [http://www.cityworld.com/la/detail/id/072ae8d1-9947-4dab-bb441262c36abbae?46] on Cityworld 9. The Hague also called the Green City at the sea, this city is full of parks and green areas, regardless of the proximity to the urban centre. The existence of so many planted outdoor areas leads to an increased health of the inhabitants. A number of 17 parks communicate with each other, through 12 ecological connection zones. These facilitate plant and animal migration, creating small, functional ecosystems. They are also great places for birds, insects and smaller mammals to hibernate. The closeness to nature is accentuated through the large number of bicycle paths, footbridges and horse trails, which help people to enjoy these beautiful surroundings.

The Hague offers its population a special bond with the natural habitat, encouraging eco-friendly transport and spending more time outdoors. Read more about The Hague [http://www.cityworld.com/ce/detail/id/03bca1f7-1fc8-4bb9-b10a-d540b518ee62? 52] on Cityworld

8. Panama situated between North and South America, Panama City has a unique location, between the tropical rainforests and the ocean. The most important source of income of the country is tourism: starting from the 90s, because of the beauty of its rainforests, Panama received a large flow of visitors. But, opposed to ecotourism, which explores exotic places and cultures, the city is now promoting sustainable tourism, which is much less invasive and ensures long-term preservation and conservation of the environment. It is also the key to mitigation of poverty and the rise of the quality of life. The Panama Canal, having around 77 km, makes the connection between the Atlantic and the Pacific Oceans. It is man-made, construction started in 1881 and was completed in 1914. It was one of the most difficult engineering projects ever created. The canal also preserves the rainforests, helping them to remain pure. Taking care of the natural resources that draw tourism to the area is the key ingredient for the future welfare of the country. Read more about Panama [http://www.cityworld.com/ce/detail/id/82576645-0df9-40dc-8194-89fb43fd8875? 26] on Cityworld 7. London it is one of the capitals of Europe and the world, but a sustainable way of transport was out of reach for Londoners: a study showed that the use of bicycles is rejected by many because of the lack of security of the bike lanes in the city. A decision was made: bike lanes would follow the Dutch model of segregated cycle roads. A new crossrail of 24 km will be available for cyclist by 2016, following the route of the Tube. The total investment reaches almost 1 billion, but its benefits will considerably reduce automobile pollution. Read more about Crossrail for bikes [http://www.cityworld.com/inspiring/detail/id/a4e2d853-87a7-4227-b93398da6eac0042?6] on Cityworld

6. Los Angeles The city has been making efforts to reduce its environmental impact. One of the most important active initiatives is Clean LA. With a strict set of rules, over the past years, electrical consumption was decreased by 28 % and water consumption reduced by 25 %. How did they do it? The goals included: replacement of diesel buses with compressed natural gas buses, mandatory low-flow toilets and shower heads since 1990 and all new buildings meeting high energy efficiency (LEED) standard. The future goals of Clean LA include reducing L.A.s greenhouse gas emissions 35 % below 1990 levels by 2030 and increasing the citys use of renewable energy to 40 % by 2020. Read more about Los Angeles [http://www.cityworld.com/ce/detail/id/5d73906a-f194-4fa8-afc5-8e4d708d647b? 24] on Cityworld 5. Madrid because of the good ratio between constructed and green areas, Madrid is listed amongst the 12 greenest cities in the world. Wherever you live in the city, a park is in a 15 minute walking radius. Casa de Campo is the largest urban park in Spain, covering 1,700 ha. One of the most spectacular interventions in the city is the creation of the Madrid Rio Park, which runs along 10 km and was established by burying underground a segment of the M-30 ring road, where it runs parallel with Manzanares River. The lush vegetation hosts cultural, sports and leisure facilities. Now the inhabitants of Madrid can enjoy the banks of the river without any barriers. Read more about Madrid [http://www.cityworld.com/ce/detail/id/05c85cc6-cbeb-47dd-92c1-58bc167401ce? 59] on Cityworld

4. Copenhagen Denmark was the first country to implement an environmental law, in 1973. In 2006 Copenhagen became the Environmental Capital of Europe and was chosen as the European Green Capital in 2014. Reducing CO2 emissions is one of the main environmental goals of the city, with 36 % of the population commuting by bike. The aim is to become the first carbon neutral capital by 2025. With a considerable investment in the sewage system, the quality of the water in the harbour has risen so that now people can actually swim in the water. The city managed to clean up its waters, after polluting

them with discharge from the sewage system. Now, wastewater is discharged in the harbour only during heavy rains. Read more about Copenhagen [http://www.cityworld.com/ce/detail/id/9a8f0a9b-43b4-4b8e-9fab-5b76a845378b? 25] on Cityworld

3. Gothenburg is standing in line amongst some of the greenest cities in the world, because of a series of sustainable initiatives applied. One of them is the development of the sustainable food concept. It is envisioned as a small-scale, locally produced industry. An area of 2,700 ha was used for developing public farms, where people can go and pick their on fruit and vegetable and pet the animals. The concept is to shorten the distance between the producer and the consumer, resulting in low costs for transportation. Following this principle, food trades are organised in the city centre. In 2012, Gothenburg was the Food Capital of Sweden. The country is also aiming to become the culinary nation of Europe by 2020. Read more about Gothenburg [http://www.cityworld.com/ce/detail/id/1fc36be9-8abd-4a3f-92d8-e18083238193? 49] on Cityworld

2. Curitiba due to a progressive master-plan dating back from the 1970s, Curitiba is recognised as one of the most sustainable cities on the globe. Amongst the steps to organise an eco-friendly city were an efficient public transport system, preserving woods and creating large green areas and waste separation. Curitiba was the first city in Brazil to introduce domestic garbage separation on a large-scale. The programme was named Lixo que no Lixo (garbage that isn't garbage) and is functioning since 1989. The Green Exchange Program consists of citizens trading recyclable materials for fresh, seasonable food. Poor people are encouraged to bring the food they grow but dont use to these green recycle centres, where they can trade. Recycling is so advanced, that two thirds of the citys daily waste is being processed. Although the program is voluntary, around 70 % of households participate! Read more about Curitiba [http://www.cityworld.com/ce/detail/id/88feef01-04d7-4212-b4f7-438467837ce7? 54] on Cityworld

1. Oulu functioning as an experimental winter-city, Oulu has the reputation of an innovative sustainable Swedish settlement. The local university conducts the researches and connects the entrepreneurs and the City Council. The main interest areas are reduction of energy and water consumption, reducing air pollution and resource efficiency. The new district of Hiukkavaara, housing 20,000 inhabitants, will become a living laboratory for sustainable practices in Northern Cities. Concerned also with the health of the community, sport facilities were planned and integrated throughout the area. Pedestrian and bicycle routes were carefully positioned, facilitating eco-friendly transport. Public transport was the second most important aspect in planning the roads. In bad weather, the interior routes are to be used, while the peripheral ones can be more enjoyable in the summer time. Read more about Oulu [http://www.cityworld.com/ce/detail/id/21d1f0ce7497-48bf-9af1-de38c677eb6d?53] on Cityworld