The capital of Sweden, Stockholm, was named the European Green Capital of the Year on February 23rd. The European Commission is entitled to give this title to a European city that has achieved the highest environmental standards. The award was incorporated in 2009 by the European Union with the intension to encourage environmental thinking and care around the globe. The award is given to a city that has the most ambitious goals for future environmental development and that can act as a role model to other European cities. The commission in charge of the award insists that consistency is also key to obtain the honorable title since one of the EU’s major goals is to create a sustainable green Europe.
Stockholm Crowned Green Jewel of Europe
Cities are not nominated
Rather than being nominated; this award requires the different cities to apply themselves. This is both time-efficient and gives the cities an equal opportunity to compete for the title. The evaluation panel within the European Commission is in charge of scrutinizing the applicant cities. Finalists are chosen and the winners are announced in an official ceremony. The first ever award was given to the capital of Sweden, Stockholm.
Stockholm is pioneering green-technology
Traditionally known as ‘The Venice of the North’, Stockholm received the title on February 23rd in Brussels where the first official ceremony was held. Stockholm has been chosen to represent Europe’s strife for a better environment due to the outstanding work they have done. Some of the most distinguished procedures include:
- A protection plan setting new standards for cleaner water.
- An innovative integrated waste system.
- Clear and effective measures to reduce noise pollution.
- A revolutionized public transport sector reducing harmful emissions by updating all inner city trains and busses to run on renewable fuels.
Stockholm hopes that these projects will help them reach their ambitious target of becoming 100% independent of fossil fuels by 2050.
How have Stockholmers contributed?
The inhabitants of Stockholm have contributed immensely through several means. The state of Stockholm have implemented several plans to engage the population in the environmental question. This has been done through different approaches, including media, taxation and innovative additions to the collective transport system.
Media
Through media, the Stockholmers have been influenced to have a greener mind in all aspects of their daily lives. One of the more recognized campaigns was the “Panta mera” ad shown on a number of big television networks. This ad remade the famous Cuban folksong “Guantanamera” and named it “Pantamera” meaning “Recycle more” in a witty attempt to promote recycling of renewable cans and bottles. Other campaigns encouraging the masses to “think green” have also been a successful way to persuade people.
Taxation
The recently introduced custom taxes have greatly decreased city traffic due to the fact that people living in Stockholm save money by traveling through public means of transport rather than driving in their cars. The taxes collected from the customs is invested in green sustainable development like new eco-friendly roads. These factors make this another successful way of reducing the greenhouse gas emissions in Stockholm.
Additional transportation
A new bike renting system has been implemented on the streets of Stockholm. This a very good, convenient way of transport for Stockholmers living centrally and an excellent eco-friendly alternative to taking your car.
Reaping the harvest
It seems like the city of Stockholm is finally bearing fruit for all of its hard work during the past two decades. Since 1990, the greenhouse gas emissions have been reduced by a remarkable 25%! This together with the high ambitions for the future reinforced Stockholm’s position as the leading eco-pioneers of Europe – hence deserving the title, according to the European Commission.
Did you know..?
- … that Stockholm has a population of about 1.2 million?
- … that Hamburg is the environmental city of 2011?
- … that 35 cities applied for the award in 2010-11?
- … that 95% of the population in Stockholm is living less than 300 meters from a green area?
- … that Malmö is applying for the 2012 award?
- … that Stockholm together with Reykjavik has the cleanest air of all the capital cities in the world?
- Saadi Khan, Emil Teurnberg and Rasmus Tsardakas, ES1A
Source: ec.europe.eu
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Stockholm – Environmental city of the year
By: Emil Teurnberg, Saadi Khan, Rasmus Tsardakas, Oskar Hahr and Dennis Davar.
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