The title of 'greenest city in Europe' is awarded annually to cities where environmental protection plays a special role, thereby improving the quality of life of residents. The European Commission wants to use the nomination to motivate authorities to care for the environment. Cities recognized by the commission are expected to receive an influx of tourists and labor, according to experts.
At the ceremony announcing the winners, European Commissioner Stavros Dimas, responsible for environmental issues, noted the contribution of Stockholm and Hamburg to the common cause of fighting for environmental and air cleanliness, as well as the efforts of cities that require tire recycling and waste management, prevention of traffic jams. 'You are an example for the rest of Europe,' Dimas noted.
'Four out of five Europeans live in urban environments today, so the city is the place where the environmental challenges facing humanity are especially clear. Thanks to its efforts to reduce air pollution, greenhouse gas emissions, improve sewage and waste recycling, and combat traffic jams, Stockholm can be a benchmark for the rest of Europe,' believes European Commissioner Stavros Dimos.
The European Commission also noted the fact that more than 95% of residents of the Swedish capital live within 300 meters of parks and nature reserves. In addition, the city's goal of completely eliminating fossil fuels (oil, gas, coal) by 2035 was met with approval.
The European Commissioner joined the general opinion that 'Hamburg has come to a balanced policy on environmental protection and its proper financing.' The program to reduce emissions into the atmosphere was particularly noted. Compared to 1990, by 2020 their amount is planned to be reduced by 40%, and by 2050 by 80%.
Amsterdam, Bristol, Copenhagen, Freiburg, Münster and Oslo competed for the title of 'green capital of Europe' with Stockholm and Hamburg.
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