Most cities were not designed to be cities. They began small and expanded without a long-term plan. How do you make such a city sustainable? As an Irish farmer replied to a lost motorist asking for directions: “I wouldn’t start from here.”
But we are where we are. Cities face problems that can no longer be ignored. They consume more energy than they produce. They amass mountains of waste every day. Their transport systems were designed for smaller populations. They pollute their own air and water. Is there any hope at all?
PHOTO: © SERGII FIGURNYI | DREAMSTIME.COM
Copenhagen proves there is. Once beset with all the usual problems, Denmark’s capital has transformed into the greenest city in the world. Waste is turned into energy in a futuristic power plant with a steep roof that doubles as a public ski slope. Bicycle routes crisscross the city. Buses are all electric. The city aims to phase out fossil fuels entirely by 2050.
In North America, Vancouver leads the way. Making the most of its spectacular natural setting, the city improved its air and water quality, aims to reduce waste to zero by 2040, and places sustainability at the heart of all public planning. The benefits? It ranks as one of the most livable cities in the world.
Brazil has some of the world’s least sustainable cities (São Paolo being a notorious example), but Curitiba bucks the trend. Stormwater management, public green spaces, recycling initiatives and biofuel buses are among the elements that make the city a model of sustainability, providing a blueprint for Brazil’s other urban jungles.
Down Under, Melbourne leads the way, aiming to be powered 100 percent by renewable energy by 2030. Other initiatives include the expansion of green spaces and increased priority for pedestrians and cyclists downtown.
In Asia, Singapore is the flagship. Investment in smart technology, sustainable mass transportation, energy efficient buildings, waste management, urban agriculture and green infrastructure have made this densely populated island a world leader in eco planning.
© NANCY ANDERSON | DREAMSTIME.COM
These five cities offer proof that, wherever the starting point, we can find routes to a sustainable future.
Read This Next
Introducing
FX Excursions
FX Excursions offers the chance for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in destinations around the world.
#globility
Insta FeedDaily
Jul 17, 2026Go from Lake to Lake in Lake Como, St. Moritz
This summer season, have a “Lake to Lake” experience with two of The Leading Hotels of the World’s loveliest properties: Il Sereno on the serene shores of Lake Como in Italy, and the elegant Kulm Hotel overlooking St. Moritz in Switzerland’s Engadin Valley.
Sponsored Content
Protected: The World Awaits with Turkish Airlines
Turkish Airlines enjoys the unique position as the airline flying to more countries than any other airline. Its unrivaled global reach is only the beginning of the experience that awaits passengers with Turkish Airlines.
Global City Guidebook 2026
Jul 17, 2026Global City Guidebook: Athens, Greece
One of the most mesmerizing destinations in the world, the capital of modern-day Greece sits at the heart of what was once Ancient Greece. Known as the birthplace of Western civilization, Athens boasts a recorded history spanning 3,400 years. Here, ancient archaeological ruins coexist with modern urban design and innovation, great culture and gastronomy, and vibrant daily life, all amid incredible natural beauty and legendary sunlight in a perfect Mediterranean climate. Add top-notch hotel accommodations and the warmth of the Athenian people, and you’ll see why Athens makes an ideal city destination.
Daily
Jul 17, 2026Saint Lucia’s Windjammer Landing Resort & Residences Undergoes Renovations
Planning a trip to Saint Lucia this year? Windjammer Landing Resort & Residences, a member of Leading Hotels of the World on Saint Lucia’s Labrelotte Bay, recently underwent a $40 million renovation with refreshing guest experiences leading the transformation.
Sponsored Content
Luxury Travel in Chilean Patagonia: Where Refinement Meets the Wild Edge
At the gateway to Chilean Patagonia, Los Lagos opens a landscape in constant motion. Volcanic peaks rise sharply above glacial lakes, mist moves through dense forests, and light shifts across every horizon. Here, luxury travel in Chilean Patagonia unfolds moment by moment, balancing raw energy with seamless comfort.
Daily
Jul 17, 2026Explore the Faroe Islands in a Self-Navigating Car on 15 New Routes
The Faroe Islands’ popular Auto Odyssey: Self-Navigating Car experience just expanded, meaning travelers can now choose from 45 locally curated itineraries guiding them to residents’ favorite, lesser-known corners of the islands.
New Tennessee Performing Arts Center Coming in 2030
Daily
Jul 16, 2026Daily
Jul 15, 2026Stradom House Hotel & Spa, Autograph Collection Launches Spa Collaboration with Alexandra Soveral
Stradom House Hotel & Spa, Autograph Collection recently launched a holistic wellness and spa treatment menu at its SÓL Spa in collaboration with London-based wellness practitioner Alexandra Soveral. The enhanced offering introduces an overall more immersive approach to wellbeing.
Sponsored Content
IHG Business Edge: A Smarter Way for Small- and Mid-Sized Businesses to Travel
IHG Business Edge is a complimentary travel program designed to help small- and mid-sized businesses manage travel more efficiently while saving on hotel stays. Members enjoy access to guaranteed discounts, loyalty benefits, and partner offers across IHG Hotels & Resorts’ global portfolio of 7,000-plus hotels in more than 100 countries.
Global City Guidebook 2026
Jul 15, 2026Global City Guidebook: Taipei
The capital of Taiwan, Taipei is home to nearly 2.5 million people and forms the core of the Taipei–Keelung metropolitan area. A high-tech industrial hub, Taipei also imbues a sense of intrigue with its fusion of Chinese, Japanese and Western influences. The city contrasts Taoist temples, hot springs and traditional festivals with gleaming skyscrapers and bustling shopping districts.
ShareThis