European cities ‘take the lead’ in fighting global warming

How green are European cities? The European Green City Index measures and rates the environmental performance of 30 leading cities from 30 European countries, as well as their commitment to reducing their environmental impact.

The study, conducted by The Economist Intelligence Unit and sponsored by Siemens, was presented in Copenhagen on the 8 December 2009.

Copenhagen is the 'greenest' major city in Europe, followed by Stockholm, Oslo, Vienna, and Amsterdam. This is the conclusion reached by the study that Siemens presented during the UN Climate Change Conference in Copenhagen.

In addition to analysing these cities’ achievements and objectives in the area of environmental and climate protection, the European Green City Index makes the differences transparent. The study evaluates the 30 cities in eight categories: CO2 emissions; energy; buildings; transportation; water; air quality; waste and land use; and environmental governance.