We are getting big time recognition for sustainability in Vancouver!
If you do a good job, there’s no harm in giving yourself a pat on the back and taking time to recognize your efforts every once in a while. That’s precisely why our very own Vancouver deserves a huge congratulations for being named by Lonely Planet as one of the eight most sustainable cities in the world!
Vancouver is the only Canadian city to make it on the list. The other cities include:
- Copenhagen, Denmark
- Portland, Oregon
- Singapore
- Lisbon, Portugal
- Bengaluru, India
- Ljubljana, Slovenia
- San Francisco, California
Lonely Planet mentions that many leading global cities are generally some of the world’s worst polluters— but they recognize that isn’t the case for our city. In fact, Vancouver is known to have one of the lowest (if not the lowest) per capita GHG emissions of any major city in North America. In addition, over 122,000 trees have been planted in Vancouver since 2010, further demonstrating the city’s commitment to go green.
Vancouver’s community-based sustainability initiatives such as neighbourhood clean-up parties and shared gardens are specifically highlighted in the writeup. Lonely Planet also recognizes the Vancouver Public Library’s eco-friendly features including its multi-purpose green roof with solar panels and an accessible rooftop garden.
The @lonelyplanet named @CityofVancouver one of the most sustainable cities in the world! They included our Central Library's green roof, explaining how it "helps manage rainwater, regulates the building temperature and provides a habitat for bees." 🐝https://t.co/iImxKvFu0y
— Vancouver Public Library (@VPL) January 7, 2021
In order to protect the precious forests, mountains, and ocean surrounding Vancouver, as well as the people who inhabit the area, the city aims to produce a net-zero waste by 2040.
This recognition by Lonely Planet may give us reassurance that we are on the right track, but there is still work to be done.
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