World cities can mandate policies with the goal of lowering greenhouse gases (GHGs) in order to fight climate change. Cities can pass ambitious climate laws in order to meet the nationally determined contributions (NDCs) made at the Paris Climate Accord. The cities listed below accomplish this by implementing policies that mandate lower GHG emissions, policies prioritizing the implementation of clean and efficient energy technologies; and sustainability priorities like conservation.

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Here are examples of world cities taking the lead on climate:

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Paris - Curbing Auto Emissions for Cleaner Air

Crit'Air in Paris is one of the largest pioneering programs in a major world city to mandate compliance with emission standards for vehicles (in this case, European emissions standards). After successful implementation in Paris, Crit'Air policies now cover about 28 permanent zones in France, and also weather-dependent zones in France...

France's efforts in reducing GHGs with legislative mandates to curb auto emissions are only part of France's sustainability ambitions. Another legislative advancement that France has made (in 2016) is to tackle the problem of food waste; by mandating that supermarkets donate unsold food items to charity.

Please read:

greencitytimes.blogspot.com/france-implements-policy-to-tackle-food-waste

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Olso - Climate Goals: Is Oslo Leading the Way?

Oslo, Norway leads the world in EV adoption, thanks to strong citywide policies that encourage zero emission vehicles. This is one of many ways Oslo is leading the world in the race toward net zero emissions.

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Green City: Portland

Portland leads the US in rate of recycling, alternative sustainable transit, and is invested in green urban planning.

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San Diego - Profiles in Sustainable Cities

(please also see the Green City Times article on Desalination for information about the largest desalination plant in the Western Hemisphere; in Carlsbad, San Diego)

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Chicago - A Sustainable City

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Austin, Texas

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And, here are the rankings for Green City Times top 10 greenest cities in the world>>>

 

The TOP 10 greenest cities in the world (as determined by Green City Times):

1. Reykjavik, Iceland  
2. Vaxjo, Sweden  
3. Freiburg, Germany 
4. Vancouver, Canada  
5. Copenhagen, Denmark  
6. London, UK 
7. Curitiba, Brazil 
8. Portland, Oregon, US 
9. San Diego, California, US 
10. Oslo, Norway 

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