Greening a city isn’t just good press. According to the US Federal Emergency Management Agency, a more climate-conscious city supports economic growth by creating jobs, increasing property values, and improving public health factors such as better disease consequences. By committing to improving air and water quality, cities can reduce their residents’ exposure to harmful pollutants. Designing more green spaces can welcome cooler summers, reducing the risk of heat-related illness; and bring more recreational spaces to the community, increasing opportunities for physical activity and social engagement.
In its June 2021 report on building environmentally-based local communities, FEMA reported that Los Angeles added more than 2,000 jobs due to a $166 million investment in environmentally-based solutions from 2012 to 2014. Such investments in greening show immediate and long-term results. welfare of the environment and the people. Another notable example from Massachusetts shows that, instead of building expensive treatment facilities for the Quabbin and Wachusett Reservoirs, the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority instead invested $130 million in environmentally-based solutions to protect more than 20,000 hectare watershed that drains into reservoirs. . The move saved an estimated $4 million annually in maintenance costs for the treatment facility and kept local drinking water clean for the bargain.
Nature-based solutions are defined as sustainable planning, design, environmental management, and engineering practices that integrate natural features or processes with the built environment. These solutions promote adaptation and resilience, incorporate natural solutions to combat climate change, reduce flood risk, restore and protect wetlands, and more.
So which cities are leading policies towards a healthier and more sustainable environment? Calgary.com has compiled a list of the greenest cities in North America according to the Carbon Disclosure Project, an international nonprofit that tracks the environmental impact of companies and municipalities around the world. The cities on this list are part of CDP’s 2021 A List, an annual ranking of cities based on their climate initiatives. It includes two districts (Washington, DC and the district of Saanich, British Columbia) and is listed in alphabetical order.
To make the list, each city must have a publicly available climate action plan, including emissions reductions and renewable energy targets. Cities are also required to complete climate risk and vulnerability assessments and demonstrate measurable progress toward achieving their goals. More than 1,000 cities worldwide reported to the CDP, 95 of which made the A List. The following is the greenest.
