Awe-inspiring nature photos and videos can help us feel more connected to the Earth and one another. In fact, studies show that just viewing awe-inspiring scenes of nature decreases feelings of entitlement and increases gratitude and reverence.
The greenest cities in the world are putting sustainability at the forefront. Here are five of them that are leading the way.
1. Copenhagen
As one of the greenest cities in the world, Copenhagen has been at the forefront of environmental initiatives for years. But even more important, the Danish capital puts sustainability at the heart of its citizens’ everyday lives.
It’s here that you can swim in a bustling urban harbour, ski down the roof of a green-energy power plant and dine on organic food on every street corner. Copenhageners are proud of their green city and are constantly seeking new ways to protect and improve it.
The city’s sustainability strategy is anchored by two foundational planning documents: the 75-year-old Finger Plan and the 10-year-old Copenhagen Climate Plan. Together, they point toward a future of sustainable districts that connect to transit and bicycle networks, where residents can access work, school and shopping in five minutes or less without the need for a car.
In fact, cycling in Copenhagen is booming, with about half of all trips within the city made by bike. To encourage the trend, Copenhagen has built new and improved bike paths (including “green wave” traffic lights synchronized to prioritize cyclists), and a growing number of bikes-only stations. And, if you’d rather travel by water, hop aboard one of the GoBoats that glide through the canals on a Copenhagen sightseeing tour.
Despite all these efforts, the city still faces challenges. With the price of oil and other energy sources on the rise, Copenhagen has had to scale back its plans for carbon-neutrality by 2025, but it remains a global leader in combating climate change. Green City Times
As a result of its efforts to balance the environment with people, Copenhagen was named the world’s most livable city in 2013. Its open spaces, increasing activity on the streets and the urban planning that supports walking and biking were all part of the reason.
Whether you’re in town for business or pleasure, you can experience the greenest side of Copenhagen at hotels such as Coco Hotel. This 88-room boutique hotel makes the most of its colorful, European-style interiors by using recycled materials and running the property on solar energy. It also plants a tree for every guest check-in and offers guests free bicycle rentals.
2. Cape Town
With iconic mountain ranges, breathtaking natural wonders and stunning ocean vistas, the outdoor adventure capital of South Africa – Cape Town (also known as ‘The Mother City’) has something to offer everyone. It’s also one of the world’s most culturally diverse cities with a mix of first and third world cultures, influenced by both European and African heritage.
The city was founded in 1652 when the Dutch East India Company set up a refreshment station here for its ships sailing up and down the coast of southern Africa. It was chosen for its strategic position on the tip of the Cape Peninsula, protected on its northwest side by the rocky peaks of Lion’s Head and Signal Hill, and on its eastern side by Table Mountain, Devil’s Peak and the sandy Cape Flats.
Until the mid-seventeenth century, the people of Cape Town lived as hunter-gatherers in small, loosely knit communities, known as Khoisan. They were highly skilled and were able to survive for millennia on the bounty of the region’s flora and fauna.
In the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, European merchants, soldiers, and farmers arrived in the Cape. They wiped out or drove off the Khoisan herders and brought in slave labour from Madagascar, India, and elsewhere to cultivate their farms. Although mixed-race marriages took place, racial and ethnic identity remained strong.
Robben Island, a short boat ride from Cape Town, has a very important historical significance for South Africa. This is because from the late seventeenth century until 1996 when apartheid ended, it was used as a prison for political prisoners. Three of the country’s former presidents – Kgalema Motlanthe, Jacob Zuma and Nelson Mandela were imprisoned here for 18 of the 27 years they spent in jail.
Nowadays, the most popular way to experience the Cape is on foot – walking and hiking are the main activities here. There are many routes to choose from depending on your fitness level, and the views of the mountains, ocean and surrounding cliffs are worth the effort! Alternatively, you can go kayaking, scuba diving, horseback riding, climbing or even shark-cage diving to experience the amazing natural beauty of Cape Town.
3. Helsinki
In a country where hygge is the unofficial national religion, it’s only fitting that Finland would lead the world in living in harmony with nature. But the Nordic country isn’t just about hygge, with its people also known for their collaborative spirit.
The capital city of Helsinki, an hour’s lake and tree-lined train ride south of Lahti, is a thrumming metropolis that has long been a global leader in environmental and social innovation. This isn’t just a matter of philanthropic funding, although that does play an important role, with Helsinki putting its green values into action by investing in companies and people to create sustainable approaches to the market.
Its innovative spirit extends to all corners of the city. Forest and lake views are commonplace during video conference meetings held in the city thanks to a new city-run service called “Lahti Green Screen.” The service is designed to allow for remote workers to enjoy a bit of nature without having to travel outside, helping to alleviate some Covid-19 restrictions and promote productivity by making it easier to focus.
Another way the city shows its green value is through the Jatkasaari urban planning project. The aim is to tackle segregation by placing different types of housing within the same area (owner-occupied, rented and supported), while also establishing communal areas for residents with access to shared green spaces that help to reduce energy consumption and support the city’s biodiversity goal.
Taking it further, the city is considering a law that would make it possible to use materials from older buildings, which are being demolished, in new construction. This will encourage the circular economy and help the city reduce its waste. The city also doesn’t forget about the final purpose of its buildings, supporting a system that ensures rent-capped social housing is built right next to homes on the free market and that school buildings are designed with accessibility in mind.
In addition, the city is leading the nation in carbon neutrality with a target of 2025—well ahead of both a Finnish national goal of 2035 and the EU’s goal of 2050. It is doing so by reducing the city’s reliance on coal, with the goal of eventually achieving a zero-waste circular economy and a full bioenergy transformation.
4. Vancouver
The natural environment of Vancouver, British Columbia, is truly breathtaking. With a large percentage of its land covered in mountains, forests and lakes, the area is rich in natural resources and has an abundant biodiversity, largely thanks to its mainly rainy climate.
The city is also a melting pot of cultures and influences from Europe, Asia and First Nation peoples. This is evident in the wide array of art, architecture, music, cuisines and religions that make up the culture of the city.
It is important to live in harmony with nature by respecting the ecosystems that surround us. We should be aware of how these ecosystems function and what needs they have. We should learn to meet these needs without harming the natural world around us. It is also vital to know how to use resources sustainably. This means understanding the ecological impact of everything we do.
Whether it be reducing energy use or buying locally produced goods, there are many ways to practice sustainable living. One of the best things to do is to recycle and reuse whenever possible. By doing so, we can help to reduce our waste and make a positive impact on the environment.
Living in Harmony with Nature also includes taking the time to appreciate the natural beauty that surrounds us. There are many ways to connect with nature, including going on a hike or taking a stroll through the park. We can also celebrate festivals or attend events that are dedicated to nature.
One of the most important aspects of living in harmony with nature is to understand how to live with the animals that are around us. This is especially important when we are interacting with wild animals. It is important to be respectful of the animal's habitat and not disturb them.
The United Nations has recognized the importance of living in harmony with nature by creating a program called the United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA). The UN Environmental Assembly was created to promote "harmonious and wholesome co-existence between humans and other elements of the planet" and to "ensure that economic, social and environmental considerations are taken into account in planning and management." UNEA is a great place for people to voice their opinions on issues that affect the environment.
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