People are beginning to value ecology more and more and take care of nature and the environment. There are even special movements that promote an environmentally friendly lifestyle. After all, the ecology and nature that surrounds us is the most valuable thing we have. If the environment is bad, it will directly affect our health. Yes, this is already having an effect. But our happiness depends on our health. It is difficult to experience happiness when you are a sick person. It’s not for nothing that Forbes magazine conducted its research and published a list of the 10 cleanest countries in the world. When compiling it, various factors were taken into account (there were 25 of them), including the quantity and purity of forests, water quality, the use of pesticides, the purity and quality of the atmosphere, and others.

Every person needs to pay attention to this list and strive to ensure that their country also begins to actively care about the environment. In general, the most important thing is simply not to pollute it. Then nature itself will cleanse itself. She has her own abilities and capabilities for this. The main thing is that it is not too late. The least we can do is start living an eco-friendly lifestyle.

You can also look at this list as potential travel destinations, or maybe even better, as a place where you will live permanently.

The cleanest countries in the world (Top 10)

1. Switzerland

The cleanest country in the world is Switzerland. This title was given to her by Forbes magazine. Out of 100 possible points, she scored 95.5. This small alpine country, home to just over seven and a half million people, has all the necessary conditions to live a long and happy life. The cleanliness of Switzerland's ecology is due not only to the fact that it is located in the Alpine mountains and that 30 percent of its area is forests, but also to the fact that there are no large factories and plants that cause serious harm to the environment. In addition to being the cleanest country, Switzerland is also the richest country in the world. Its wealth is due to the presence of the most reliable banks. That is, we can say that Switzerland is an ideal place to live both in terms of purity and wealth. The internal culture of behavior of the Swiss is also indicative. For example, despite the fact that every family has its own car, if they need to travel short distances, they use bicycles for this. Thus, every resident of Switzerland also fights for the purity of the atmosphere of their country.

2. Sweden

It is in this country, according to scientists, that air pollution rates are the lowest, water is practically the cleanest, since it is mainly obtained from natural sources, and there is also a very low level of greenhouse gas emissions (significantly below the permissible level). The most important natural wealth of Sweden is its forests, which local residents take special care of, as well as nature in general. Interestingly, forests occupy 63% of Sweden's territory, and the terrain of this country is very changeable - from forests to the Scandinavian mountains.

3. Norway

Norway neighbors Sweden and in many ways the environmental situations in these two countries are the same. Only because of its oil industry, which releases greenhouse gases into the atmosphere, this country could not take an honorable second place in the list of the cleanest countries. Norway is located in the very center of the Scandinavian mountains, among fading and already extinct volcanoes, has a harsh climate and has a very highly developed industry. 90% of it is provided by electricity generated by hydroelectric power plants. Norway can boast to many countries of its excellent quality of water, air, and sanitation (wastewater treatment is carried out very effectively). Norwegians suffer least from respiratory diseases.

4. Costa Rica

This eco-friendly country connects South and North America. Its purity is due to the huge number of forests, as well as the country’s government’s concern for minimizing carbon emissions into the air. Costa Rica's economy is based on ecotourism, which is why it shows such serious attention to caring for nature. This country avoids deforestation and out of 100 possible points in the field of forestry and air cleanliness, it scored 97 points. The situation with the marine environment is somewhat worse here.

5. Colombia

The country is famous for its high level of life expectancy (on average -75 years), as well as for its fertile lands, the quality of which it carefully protects. The main type of business in Colombia is very environmentally friendly - growing flowers and coffee.

6. New Zealand

A very clean and beautiful country. It ranked sixth on the list because it pays careful attention to the protection of coastal waters and the richness of the surrounding environment, and also because a tax on carbon emitted into the air has been introduced at the state level. It is far ahead of other countries in the region in terms of cleanliness index due to the quality of air and water. The New Zealand government strives to bring its state to 1st place in the near future and become the cleanest country in the world. New Zealand is a sparsely populated country, and for tourists who love silence and less densely populated places, this place will seem like paradise.

7. Japan

This country cannot be ignored because the life expectancy of the Japanese is very high - an average of 82 years. Japan achieved seventh place in the list of cleanest countries mainly due to its ideal sanitary infrastructure, water purification technologies, and not just because of data on the purity of nature. Although the condition of the forests here is assessed very highly, the condition of the water is very poor. Coastal fish stocks are severely depleted, reducing marine biodiversity.

8. Croatia

Famous for its clean beaches and shores. They are the ones who raise Croatia to 8th place in our ranking. And this despite the fact that the authorities and local residents are doing an unsatisfactory job in caring for the nature of their country. Croatia's socialist past affects the pollution of nature - the industry produced in those years continues to serve as a source of greenhouse gases.

9. Albania

There is very little industry in this country, and hence very little emissions into the air. It is not the industrialization of Albania that puts it in 9th place on the list of cleanest countries. The indoor air pollution index had a serious impact on the overall rating. According to this index, Albania was assigned 47.7 points due to the fact that stove heating is predominantly used in its territory.

10. Israel

Israel closes the top ten ecologically cleanest countries. He takes care of his forests and waters and maintains a high level of sanitation. On average, residents live here for 81 years. The country's problem is the use of pesticides, which undoubtedly affect the state of food supply.

These are the environmentally cleanest countries that occupy the top 10 and show other countries what, at a minimum, they should strive for.

It is only natural that we all want to live in a clean and healthy environment, but unfortunately, our planet is slowly turning into a giant garbage dump. While the overall assessment is undoubtedly sad, the good news is that there are still a few places on the planet that are clean, tidy and unpolluted.

However, keeping your city clean and tidy usually requires much more than just a few government regulations and public notices. It is also the responsibility of local residents to take part in this process and not harm the environment as much as possible.

To show you a few cities that have already succeeded in creating a cleaner environment and making their residents happier and healthier, this is a list of the cleanest cities in the world.

From spotlessly clean and green northern European cities like Stockholm and Reykjavik, to amazingly clean cities in Africa and Asia, here are the 25 cleanest cities on the planet!

25. Zurich, Switzerland

Let's start this list with a city that is largely considered one of the cleanest and greenest cities in the world.

Home to almost 400,000 people, Zurich is known for its ongoing optimization and creation of environmentally friendly public transport stops, expansion of the cycling network, research and projects on renewable energy, motorway fencing and so on.

24. Wellington, New Zealand


The capital and one of New Zealand's largest cities, Wellington has a reputation for being clean and tidy, with a range of natural attractions that are well preserved and maintained.

More than a third of local residents use public transport instead of private vehicles, which significantly reduces air pollution in the region.

23. Ifrane, Morocco


Of the few African cities that boast a clean environment, Ifrane is probably the most famous.

Situated on the Middle Atlas mountain range at an altitude of 1,665 meters above sea level, Ifrane has no industrial facilities, so locals and tourists can enjoy unpolluted air and water.

The city is also a popular ski resort as it is covered with snow in winter.

22. Oslo, Norway


Norway's capital is known as one of the most expensive cities in the world, but those who can afford to live here will enjoy fresh air and a completely clean environment.

Oslo is easy to get around using public transport or rented bicycles. In 2007, Oslo was even ranked second on the list of the greenest and most livable cities compiled by the popular American monthly family magazine Reader's Digest.

21. Hierro, Spain


Technically, Hierro is not a city, as it is one of the Canary Islands (belonging to Spain), which has attracted worldwide attention by building hydro and wind power plants that can provide electricity to residents 24 hours a day.

Known for its dense ancient forests and volcanic rocks, the island is a UNESCO biosphere reserve.

20. Freiburg, Germany


Home to 220,000 people, Freiburg is known as the sunniest and warmest city in Germany. It is also valued for its beautiful parks, clean streets, fresh air and excellent environmental conditions.

Situated in the heart of the main wine-growing region of Baden, it serves as the main starting point for tourists to the beauty of the picturesque Black Forest mountain range.

19. Toronto, Canada


Toronto is clear proof that even a huge metropolis with more than 2.6 million residents can be clean and tidy.

Known for its environmental innovation, Toronto has been particularly successful in reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The city also has a very efficient and comprehensive public transport system, which makes a significant contribution to maintaining a clean environment.

18. Amsterdam, Netherlands


With over 600,000 rental bikes throughout the city, Amsterdam is considered a paradise for cyclists, and it is this unusual practice that helps keep the city remarkably clean.

In 2012, Amsterdam even took second place in the list of the best cities to live, compiled by the analytical company Economist Intelligence Unit, and 12th in the list of the best cities for quality of life for environment and infrastructure, compiled by the international consulting company Mercer.

17. Brisbane, Australia


Most Australian cities boast a clean environment with relatively low levels of all types of pollution. What sets Brisbane apart, however, is the fact that it is clean and tidy despite its size (its population is over 2.3 million). The city has several large parks, botanical gardens and other green recreation areas.

16. Portland, Oregon, USA


Referred to as the "City of Roses," Portland is often recognized as one of the most sustainable cities in the world, thanks to its highly walkable, large cycling community, farm-to-table movement, extensive public transportation network and more. 4,000 hectares of public parks.

15. Stockholm, Sweden


Considered one of the cleanest capital cities in the world, Stockholm received the European Green Capital Award from the European Commission in 2010, becoming Europe's first green capital.

Applicants were assessed on several criteria, such as climate change, local transport, public green spaces, air quality, noise, waste, land management, biodiversity and others.

14. Nottingham, UK


The United Kingdom also has several cities that boast an unpolluted environment and clean streets. One of them - Nottingham - is located in Central England.

The city has launched numerous projects to tackle litter and graffiti issues, and even won the "Britain's Cleanest City" award in 2014.

13. Kobe, Japan


Known as the cleanest city in Japan, Kobe has one of the world's most efficient waste management systems. Since local residents are very concerned about preserving the environment, the streets are always clean.

Although the city is a huge metropolis, inhabited by more than 1.5 million people, it has many beautiful green areas for recreation.

12. Luxembourg, Luxembourg


Called the "green heart of Europe", Luxembourg is the capital of the state of Luxembourg (officially known as the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg). The city boasts a number of well-preserved ancient castles and verdant forests, and last year it was declared the third cleanest city in the world.

11. Calgary, Canada


Calgary has regularly been ranked among the cleanest cities in the world for the past few years, and there's a good reason for that. Local residents are taught five basic principles to follow to keep the environment clean and healthy. These 5 points are the quality of sewerage, potability and availability of water, waste removal and recycling, traffic jams and air pollution.

10. Singapore


The world's only island-state, Singapore is known for having a number of strict rules regarding environmental issues and the city's cleanliness, including a ban on chewing gum. Almost 10% of Singapore's land is dedicated to parks and nature reserves.

The city has also launched several greening campaigns to plant trees to improve the quality of life.

9. Curitiba, Brazil


While Brazil is unlikely to ever be classified as a clean country, there is one exception - the city of Curitiba. Local governments are encouraging their residents to keep their city clean by allowing bags of sorted trash to be exchanged for food and bus tokens.

As a result, up to 70% of city waste is recycled. Recycling paper, for example, saves the equivalent of 1,200 trees per day.

8. Geneva, Switzerland


Geneva is known as one of the richest, most expensive, livable and safe cities in the world, but there is something else that sets the city apart: its environmental efforts and cleanliness.

One of the cleanest cities in the world, Geneva is home to The Geneva Environment Network - a network of global organizations working on the environment and sustainable development.

7. Vienna, Austria


The capital and largest city of Austria, Vienna has a population of approximately 1.8 million people, but the city is regularly ranked among the cleanest cities in the world.

Over the past decades, Vienna has invested heavily in its waste management system, and it is now bearing fruit. In addition, local residents are very concerned about environmental protection, so they help the authorities keep their city spotless and clean.

6. Reykjavik, Iceland


Located just outside the Arctic Circle, Iceland is one of the cleanest countries in the world, so it's not surprising to see its capital among the cleanest cities in the world.

There was no urban development here until the 19th century. Even now, Reykjavik remains one of the cleanest and greenest cities in the world, with virtually no air pollution.

5. Helsinki, Finland


Another Scandinavian city on this list, Helsinki, is the capital and largest city of Finland. Residents are true advocates for protecting the environment and keeping the streets clean and tidy.

In order to reduce the amount of electricity consumed to a minimum level, a comprehensive system was even developed to generate heat using electricity.

4. Honolulu, Hawaii, USA


With a population of nearly 340,000, Honolulu is the most remote major city in the world, as the closest mainland location is the Point Arena Lighthouse in California, 3,800 kilometers away.

Perhaps this extreme isolation is why Honolulu (and the entire state of Hawaii) is one of the cleanest and greenest places in the world.

3. Copenhagen, Denmark


The capital of Denmark, Copenhagen, is recognized as one of the most environmentally friendly cities in the world. Thanks to its commitment to high environmental standards, Copenhagen has been praised for its green economy, becoming the greenest city for the second time in 2014, according to the Global Green Economy Index.

Thanks to significant investment in sewerage upgrades, the water quality in the city's harbor has improved to the point where it is now safe to swim in.

2. Chicago, Illinois, USA


With a population of more than 2.7 million, Chicago is the third largest city in the United States, but has a reputation for being very clean and environmentally friendly.

Chicago has greened more than 186,000 square meters of rooftops across the city, turning them into gardens to improve air quality. The city also encourages its residents to use public transport to reduce harmful emissions.

1. Hamburg, Germany


The second largest city in Germany, Hamburg has been praised for its long-standing efforts to protect the environment.

The city has set a goal of reducing carbon dioxide emissions by 80% by 2050. The city also released details of plans to develop a "Green Network", which will mean that people will no longer have to use private vehicles to travel elsewhere in the city.

Garbage and dirt are an indicator of the lack of effective environmental policy of the state. Developed countries carefully ensure that cities are clean and waste is recycled at special enterprises. Enterprises were moved to developing countries, and local factories were necessarily equipped with protective filters.

International organizations annually monitor the states of the planet in order to identify the level of pollution of soil, water, and air. Let's talk about how the final score is calculated, consider the countries with the cleanest ecology in the world.

What is an “environmental performance index”?

Environmental Performance Index is an environmental performance index that was developed by scientists from two American universities:

• Yale (Center for Law and Environmental Policy);
• Colombian.

The first analysis was done for the World Economic Forum. The main direction of research is the study of economic processes. Environmental safety implies the allocation of significant funds to control pollution levels and wise use of natural resources. The final report is published by many rating publications, including Forbes magazine. Information is also available to the expert group.

Global Eco-Performance Map 2019

The first global analysis was carried out in 2006, and the research methodology has changed over time. Each country, having received the result, can compare the data according to the factors, evaluate its own successes and compare failures with neighboring countries.

Evaluation factors in the rating

This global study is conducted using a special methodology. The score is based on findings from 10 categories of research:

1. environmental health of the population;
2. air condition;
3. changing of the climate;
4. Agriculture;
5. state of water resources;
6. forest (condition, change in area);
7. the impact of air pollution on public health;
8. access and quality of drinking water;
9. care for biodiversity;
10. exploitation of fisheries resources.

A country is rated based on two groups of criteria: ecosystem vitality and environmental health.

A total of 22 indicators are studied, and an index is calculated proportionally for each. The higher the final score, the better the state takes care of citizens and the environment.

Let's give an example of a calculation. When assessing the environmental health of a population, data on infant mortality is requested. This parameter is one of five included in the “Ecological Health” group. The overall score in it will give 30% of the final rating. The second group is called “Ecosystem Viability” and contains seventeen more parameters. It affects 70% of the score.

The most environmentally friendly countries in Europe

Europe is an exemplary region where large amounts of money are allocated for environmental safety and a lot is being done for public health. However, problems in this area are also noted here. We present a table of the most environmentally friendly European countries.

The main environmental problems in Russia are air and inland water pollution and deforestation.

The Russian Federation is not the leader of the list; it takes 52nd place with an index of 63.79.

Which country has the cleanest air?

Residents of industrial cities every day inhale air containing hazardous particles, which negatively affects public health. Main causes of air pollution:

• the growth in the number of cars and the lack of environmentally friendly electric transport in cities;
• emissions from industrial enterprises;
• lack of control by supervisory authorities.

Let's take a closer look at the findings of the Center for Environmental Policy and Law at Yale University and find out which country has the cleanest air.

Barbados is one of the countries with the cleanest air in 2019

A comprehensive study consists of indicators. One of them is air quality. The top five countries where you can breathe freely and easily include the following countries (the air quality indicator score is indicated in parentheses):

1. Australia and Barbados (100.00 each);
2. Jordan (99.61);
3. Canada (99.28);
4. Denmark (99.16);
5. Finland (99.00).

Air pollution in these countries is minimal. The top spot in this category is occupied by two countries, Barbados and Australia. However, in addition to clean air, other categories are subject to study. Let's find out which country is the cleanest in the world.

TOP 10 states with the best ecology

Only rich and economically developed states can afford to pursue an environmental safety policy at the highest level. Below are the territories included in the top 10 cleanest countries in the world for 2019.

It is noteworthy that in terms of air quality, Switzerland, a country of alpine meadows and mountains, occupies only 25th place in the list, but in terms of overall indicators it is ahead of all countries in the world. This is the cleanest country for 2019.

Switzerland is the cleanest country

The vitality of the Swiss ecosystem is at a high level: agriculture does not burden the soil, forests remain untouched, and fishing and hunting are strictly controlled by the government. Attention is paid to public health, the infant mortality rate decreased by 2.6% compared to last year.

France has an effective environmental policy

France is limited in the amount of natural clean water; energy development has a negative impact on atmospheric emissions and environmental pollution. The government strictly controls the industry, trying to prevent consequences.

Danish cities are free of waste. In terms of air quality, the country ranks 5th in the study. Denmark has developed metalworking, radio-electronic engineering, and the chemical industry. Harmful emissions are compensated by a developed system of environmentally friendly public transport in cities. Citizens use bicycles everywhere.

Copenhagen is the most cycling capital in Europe

Denmark is the most expensive country in Europe. Taxes and prices are high here. Industrial production is gradually moving to the western part of the country, making life easier for residents of the capital.

The population of Malta does not exceed 500 thousand people. The small territory, located between Europe and Africa, is suffering from an influx of migrants. However, the government continues to pursue an effective policy in the field of environmental protection.

Malta has no developed industry

Industry is not developed on the islands; the main income comes from tourism. Vacationers note the high quality of services, cleanliness, and well-developed communications and return to Malta again. Drinking water here is better than in any other corner of the planet.

Environmental protection is an important task for the government of the industrialized Kingdom. Over the past 10 years, the number of enterprises in the field of information technology has increased. Life in Swedish cities is measured, calm, and the streets are clean.

Sweden is gradually switching to alternative energy sources

In advanced European countries, the transport system is characterized by a search for environmentally friendly approaches. Preference is given to biofuel. In Sweden it is made from garbage. Electric cars are in demand, displacing gasoline-powered vehicles.

Densely populated Britain is experiencing problems associated with environmental pollution. This requires significant efforts from the authorities in the fight for clean air and water. Drinking water for the population has the highest quality standard.

Wind turbines produce a third of Britain's electricity consumption

Great Britain is experiencing difficulties in the field of forestry, and control over fishing is insufficient. The impact of electricity generation processes on air quality has been noted.

Luxembourg is landlocked and does not deal with water safety. In 2018, the country worsened its position in the ranking. There is a lack of forests, and air quality has decreased significantly. The state occupies high positions in the cleanliness rating due to the fact that the basis of the economy is the service sector.

The basis of the Luxembourg economy is the service sector

Luxembourg has a developed banking network; large companies have offices here. Oil and gas are imported.

The chemical, textile, and oil industries are well developed in Austria. 9 federal states are involved in nature conservation issues, depending on the situation in each of them. Arable lands, the construction sector, and highways occupy no more than 15% of the territory in Austria. The problem is the depletion of forest resources in the foothills of the Alps.

Ecology in Austria is one of the leading policy areas

The state controls arable land and meadows allocated for livestock farms. It is impossible to expand the area without the approval of the commission.

Ireland's problems are pollution of coastal waters, lack of forests. The state produces medical equipment, medicines, computers and components, and mechanical engineering. Livestock farming is developed.

The Irish government controls fishing

The state controls the fishing of trout and salmon; you cannot engage in activities without a license. In order to solve the problem of poaching and marine pollution, a fisheries management program has been adopted.

The state is one of the five countries with high quality air and drinking water. The authorities are pursuing an effective environmental safety policy; monitoring in cities has shown that the level of heavy metals in the atmosphere is minimal.

Finland cares about preserving the wild animal population

Finland is an industrial state and ranks 1st in the world in paper production. 8% of the land is occupied by agricultural activities. In the city center there is a developed tram network, which has a beneficial effect on the environment. The main problem is the lack of forests.

conclusions

1. The environmental performance rating is compiled by the Center for Law and Environmental Policy at Yale University based on a study of 22 parameters.
2. Switzerland was named the cleanest country in Europe in 2018. Russia took 52nd place.
3. One of the indicators of environmental safety is clean air. According to studies, two countries took first place in this indicator - Barbados and Australia.
4. Switzerland was also recognized as the cleanest country in the world for 2019.

Tourism is a double-edged sword. It makes an important contribution to the development of the world economy, while often causing damage to nature. Take Everest for example: the natural beauty and magnificence of the snow-capped peaks is slowly being devoured by thousands of plastic and aluminum cans, mountains of paper, glass, clothing and even tents. And as the number of people wanting to conquer Everest continues to grow, in the future there may be nothing left but a huge pile of rubbish.

Fortunately, there are still places on Earth that can surprise you with their untouched beauty, fresh air and wild nature.

Here top 10 greenest and most environmentally friendly places in the world, selected according to various environmental ratings, including data from WHO and the Russian organization Green Patrol.

10. Ferradura Park, Brazil

Drive a few kilometers from downtown Canela and you'll find 500 acres of pine forests, home to many wild capuchin monkeys, blue jays, and funny coatis.

The park is located at the top of a canyon that stretches 420 m, where the Santa Cruz River is outlined in the shape of a horseshoe. Because of this, Ferradura Park is also known as "Horseshoe Park".

Abundance of greenery, fresh air, and stunning views of the Arroyo Cazador waterfall are complemented by 4 hiking routes, 3 observation decks and infrastructure including 8 barbecue grills, a children's playground and a snack bar.

9. Val d'Orcia, Italy

Next on the list of the greenest areas on Earth is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the greenest and lushest places in Europe. This beautiful valley is located in central Italy in the Tuscany region and boasts endless, perfectly conical shaped hills covered in sunflowers. Such enchanting landscapes have attracted the attention of countless artists (since the Renaissance), as well as modern photographers, who have made this valley famous throughout the world.

The best time to visit Val d'Orcia is from November to June, when there are not many tourists and you can admire the vineyards for the famous Brunello wines, and groves of green olive trees adjacent to kilometers of golden wheat fields.

8. Gorenjska region, Slovenia

The rural part of this region is without a doubt the greenest and cleanest part of the entire country. The Gorenjska region is home to the stunning Julian Alps, which stretch from Italy to Slovenia.

The highest peak of the mountain range is Mount Triglav - also known as the Three-Headed Mountain. She is depicted on both the flag and coat of arms of Slovenia. According to legend, on the top of the mountain lived the goat Zlatorog, whose horns were made of pure gold.

The surroundings of Triglav, like the mountain itself, are part of the only
National Park.

7. Shetland Islands, Scotland

Secluded and pristinely beautiful, the Shetland Islands are perhaps the greenest part of the UK.

In total, the Shetland archipelago has about 300 islands, of which only 16 are inhabited. It is not surprising that the air there is clean and fresh, and the nature is almost unspoilt by the human factor.

A preferred ecotourism destination is the Hermaness National Nature Reserve on the Isle of Unst. The beautiful coastal scenery is complemented by the sight of many birds nesting on the sea cliffs and seals that can easily be mistaken for rocks until they start jumping into the water. In total, the reserve is home to more than one hundred thousand species of various birds.

And when you get tired of watching the bird world, you can visit the boat museum or Muness Castle - one of the most fortified castles in Scotland.

If you want to visit one of the islands, keep in mind that even in summer it is not particularly hot there - the temperature rarely rises above 21 degrees.

6. County Kerry, Ireland

Ireland is one of the greenest countries in the world, and the county is its greenest place. Frequent precipitation and a warm oceanic climate contribute to this.

Majestic mountain peaks, mist-covered moors, golden fields, moorland, rugged sea cliffs and secluded coves - County Kerry has it all. Visit this paradise of the country of St. Patrick and the leprechauns if you want to enjoy all the beauty of nature (and at the same time visit the famous Irish pubs), away from the smog and city noise.

It's home to some of the country's best National Parks, including Killarney National Park, where visitors marvel at areas of wild woodland, home to foxes and deer, green hills, lakes, a waterfall and easy-to-navigate trails.

5. Tambov region, Russia

In 2018, this area became the leader of the environmental rating compiled by the Green Patrol organization.

So if you miss picturesque nature, fresh air and environmentally friendly products, then you can get all this without leaving Russia. For example, visiting the tourist complex “Russian Village”, located on the right bank of the Vorona River, where two zonal features are combined: steppes and northern forests. Holidaymakers can enjoy horseback riding, fishing and hunting.

4. Altai, Russia

The most environmentally friendly region of Russia. The “green pharmacy” of the country, a place designed by Mother Nature herself for a relaxing holiday and escape from urbanization. And the second place in terms of purity of nature in the Green Patrol rating of 2018.

One of the most beautiful places in Altai is the Katunsky Nature Reserve, which has biosphere status. This is a specially protected area created to study and preserve the unique natural environment and ecosystems. On its territory there are a large number of lakes, glaciers, about 700 species of plants and 47 species of mammals. It is not very easy to get there, which is an additional protection of the reserve from crowds of tourists.

3. San Pedro de Atacama, Chile

Clean air, high altitude and proximity to the driest desert in the world make this Chilean village one of the most environmentally friendly places on Earth. There is no noise pollution or harmful industries that poison the water and air.

San Pedro de Atacama cannot boast of a large number of attractions. The main one is the white church of San Pedro, built in the 17th century. To the west of the village is the picturesque Moon Valley. And not far to the south is one of the oldest Chilean archaeological sites - the settlement of Tulor.

2. Te Anau, New Zealand

Testing carried out by specialists from the World Health Organization showed that this is the most environmentally friendly city in the world.

Te Anau's location at the entrance to Fiordland National Park and its proximity to two of the country's most beautiful fjords (Milford Sound and Doubtfall Sound) makes it a base camp for backpackers.

The best time to visit one is March or autumn, when the weather is mild and there are not as many tourists as in summer.

1. Lapland, Finland

The most environmentally friendly place in the world, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). The average content of microdust particles in this region does not exceed 6 micrograms per cubic meter - this is the lowest in the world.

And while you're breathing in the fresh air, you can also admire the magnificent view of the Northern Lights or go skiing. Or combine all these things at once.

Other places in Finland also do not suffer in terms of ecology. It is not for nothing that it is called the “country of a thousand lakes”, and the water in many lakes is so pure that it can be used for drinking and cooking, even without additional treatment. For example, the huge Lake Päijänne supplies Helsinki with water, entering the city through a 120-kilometer tunnel cut into the granite rock mass. Drinking water straight from the tap is a source of national pride for Finns and the envy of residents of other, less environmentally friendly countries.

The problem of environmental pollution has been on the agenda for a long time: scientists from all over the world are sounding the alarm and calling for the necessary measures to be taken to protect nature and the atmosphere. Exhaust fumes, tons of garbage, excessive consumption of water and energy resources - all these factors are slowly but surely leading humanity to an environmental disaster on a global scale. However, there is good news: today there are many megacities whose authorities are putting every effort into maintaining a healthy environment and developing innovative projects to reduce air pollution. So which city rightfully deserves to bear the title of “the cleanest city in the world”?

10. Singapore

Tenth place in our top list of the cleanest cities in the world is occupied by the city-state of Singapore. This metropolis with unusual futuristic architecture and the largest Ferris wheel on the planet is visited by millions of tourists every year. But despite the large tourist flow, Singapore manages to maintain its cleanliness standards and follow established requirements. Very often this state is called the “City of Prohibitions,” and there are objective reasons for this.

There are very strict laws in place to ensure a high level of cleanliness, which apply to both citizens and foreigners alike. For example, the police can fine you a hefty sum if you throw out trash in a public place, spit, smoke, chew gum, or eat on public transport. Fines in such cases start at $750 and can amount to thousands of dollars. It's no surprise that Singapore is one of the top ten cleanest cities in the world.

9. Curitiba

The city of Curitiba, located in the south of Brazil, is one of the cleanest cities in the world. It is known for its high standard of living and is often referred to as "Brazilian Europe" in the media. Being one of the most prosperous cities in Brazil, Curitiba is literally surrounded by greenery and is replete with numerous parks. Thanks to such conditions, it is deservedly ranked among the most environmentally friendly cities in the world.

The symbol of Curitiba has become a huge coniferous tree - araucaria, which grows in large quantities throughout the city, which has a beneficial effect on its overall ecology. An important role in increasing the level of cleanliness in the metropolis, including in local slums, was the program for exchanging garbage for food and free travel. This allowed the municipal authorities to save Curitiba from the abundance of tin and plastic cans. Today, more than 70% of city waste is distributed and recycled.

8. Geneva

Being one of the most famous cities in Switzerland, which is often called the capital of the world, Geneva has a high level of ecology and safety. It is not surprising that it was included in the list of the cleanest cities in the world: after all, it is here that the Geneva Environment Network group of global companies is located, developing new mechanisms for protecting the environment.

Geneva, famous for its unique architecture and breathtaking natural landscapes, has long won the love of tourists. But despite the city's high footfall, its pollution levels are at an all-time low. Local authorities closely monitor cleanliness parameters in urban areas and actively encourage new environmental developments.

7. Vienna

The capital of Austria was recognized by the international consulting company Mercer as the city with the highest standard of living. But how did such a large metropolis with a population of more than 1.7 million people maintain favorable environmental indicators? This became possible not only thanks to the efforts of the city authorities, but also the responsible position of the country's residents themselves.

Vienna is famous for its parks and nature reserves, and its center and surrounding areas cannot be imagined without green spaces, which, according to new information, cover 51% of the city's territory. High water quality, a developed sewerage system, excellent environmental performance, as well as effective waste management allowed the Austrian capital to be included in the list of the cleanest cities in the world in 2017.

6. Reykjavik

As the capital of one of the cleanest countries in the world, Iceland, Reykjavik has become one of the most environmentally friendly cities on the planet. This situation was facilitated by active government measures to green its territory, as well as to minimize carbon dioxide emissions into the atmosphere. Thanks to these efforts, Reykjavik has virtually no pollution.

But the authorities of the capital of Iceland do not intend to stop there and plan to bring it to first place in the list of the cleanest cities on the planet by 2040. To do this, they decided to completely rebuild the infrastructure of Reykjavik so that all the necessary organizations and institutions are within walking distance, which will reduce the number of motorists. In addition, it is planned to encourage the use of electric vehicles and bicycles, as well as expand greening in the city.

5. Helsinki

The capital of Finland is located on the equator of our top cleanest cities in the world 2017. Helsinki is a fast-growing city located on the shores of the Gulf of Finland, and 30% of the metropolis’ territory is sea surface. Helsinki is famous for its high-quality drinking water, which flows into homes from the largest mountain tunnel. This water is believed to be much purer than bottled water.

It is noteworthy that in every district of Helsinki there is a park area with green spaces. To reduce the number of motorists, city authorities encourage cyclists, for whom numerous bicycle paths with a total length of more than 1 thousand km are equipped. The residents of the capital themselves are very sensitive to environmental issues and make every effort to keep the city surroundings clean.

4. Honolulu

It would seem that the very location of the capital of the state of Hawaii, Honolulu, on the shores of the Pacific Ocean is designed to ensure the purity of its air. But it was the policy of the capital’s authorities that allowed the metropolis to become one of the cleanest cities in the world. Since Honolulu has long been considered a tourist destination, improving public spaces and maintaining the environment has become a government priority.

Greening the city, reasonable waste disposal, and reducing the number of polluting industries help improve environmental performance in the capital. It effectively uses solar and wind energy to generate clean electricity. And developed waste recycling systems have earned Honolulu the unofficial title of “garbage-free city.”

3. Copenhagen

The English organization The Economist Intelligence Unit conducted a study of 30 European capitals on the level of environmental indicators, as a result of which Copenhagen was recognized as one of the cleanest cities in Europe. The Danish capital has recorded low levels of household waste accumulation, economical energy consumption and minimal emissions of harmful gases into the atmosphere. Copenhagen has been awarded the status of the greenest European city more than once.

The favorable environmental situation in Copenhagen is also made possible by a reduction in the number of motorists and an increase in the number of cyclists. In addition, windmills are actively used here to generate electricity. A well-functioning waste disposal system and economical consumption of water resources have allowed the capital of Denmark to become one of the cleanest cities not only in Europe, but throughout the world.

2. Chicago

It's hard to believe that such a large financial and industrial center as Chicago, with a population of more than 2.7 million people, could be included in the list of the cleanest cities in the world. This was made possible thanks to innovative approaches used by US authorities to reduce sources of environmental pollution.

The greening of the city is carried out not only through the expansion of parks, but also thanks to green spaces on the roofs of skyscrapers with a total area of ​​more than 186 thousand square meters. meters. A well-thought-out public transport network also helps protect the air from pollution, designed to motivate residents to stop using cars and switch to urban means of transportation. Chicago certainly deserves second place on our list. But which city became the cleanest in the world? The answer is very close!

1. Hamburg

A group of authoritative ecologists, based on the results of their meticulous research, named the cleanest city in the world. It became the famous German metropolis of Hamburg. The city has achieved a high level of environmental performance thanks to a developed public transport network, which allows its residents to stop using personal cars. And due to this, the authorities managed to significantly reduce the emission of harmful gases into the atmosphere.

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In order to develop environmental protection programs, the government annually allocates 25 million euros, part of which is spent on the development of energy saving projects. Hamburg, as the cleanest city in the world, does not intend to lose its position. By 2050, the city authorities plan to reduce carbon dioxide emissions into the atmosphere by a record 80%. And in order to achieve such indicators, the government decided to improve the city infrastructure and further popularize cycling and electric vehicles.

How they stand in Hamburg and what is special about its landscaping - watch the video.

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