Top 10 Cities With the Cleanest Air in the World

9 years ago | Posted in: World | 4634 Views

Air pollution has been a serious ecological concern for several decades; however, not all cities are experiencing it at a level that requires dust masks or a hazmat suit. In fact, some have incredibly high air quality, and they might not be the cities you think! Here are profiles of ten from around the world recognized for the cleanest air.

1) Whitehorse, Yukon, Canada

SS-Klondike-Whitehorse-Yukon
Overall, Canadians have much to be proud dedicated environmentalism, but Whitehorse has more to boast about that most. They have the cleanest air in the world! In fact, the clean scent is something visitors routinely make positive comments about. While the cool climate and low humidity may help, the real reasons Whitehorse has such clean air are the forward-thinking regulations that make sure it stays that way.

2) Santa Fe, New Mexico, USA

santa fe
For decades, people with respiratory illnesses have traveled to the American Southwest for relief. Santa Fe is the best example of why with its consistently clean air and some of the lowest particulate levels in the world. No dust masks needed here! The city, surrounded by sprawling forests, owes much of its success to regulations that prevent wood burning and decrease the risk of devastating forest fires.

3) Honolulu, Hawaii, USA
Honolulu
Aloha clean air! The island city is well-protected from the air pollution that plagues many coastal US cities. Plus the breeze-filled climate helps whisk away impurities. Another major factor is the impressive transit system, including sophisticated mass transit options, that helps cut down on the emissions produced by excessive traffic.

4) Great Falls, Montana, USA
great-falls-montana
Maybe not the first city you think of it Montana, but in terms of its air quality, Great Falls most definitely should be! The best thing about this city may be its people. After all, they successfully prevented the construction of a massive coal power plant that would have left their city an ecological wreck with the release of 2.1 million tons of carbon. Well done, Great Falls!

5) Calgary, Alberta, Canada
City-Of-Calgary
Returning to Canada, Calgary might seem like a miracle city, maintaining high air quality, despite the close presence of oil and gas industries. Only excellent civic management and an ecologically savvy populace has made it possible. Calgary has an excellent transportation network that helps reduce smog in this growing urban center. However Calgary’s air quality was not always great. Roughly 15 years ago it was one of the most polluted cities in Canada. However after hiring a city safety director they were able to create a plan which has led to tremendous recovery in the area.

6) Ottawa, Ontario, Canada

ottawa
As the capital of Canada, Ottawa is an example to other cities on many environmental issues, ranging from keeping trash off the streets to maintaining high air quality. The citizens here routinely participate in keeping their city clean, plus the light rail and other infrastructure helps manage traffic. Ottawa definitely has a good thing going!

7) Helsinki, Finland

Scenic summer panorama of the Market Square (Kauppatori) at the Old Town pier in Helsinki, Finland

Scenic summer panorama of the Market Square (Kauppatori) at the Old Town pier in Helsinki, Finland

Sometimes called the cleanest capital city in Europe, Finland takes its clean air seriously. They have regulations in place to keep industrial emissions low and a highly developed mass transit system and wide streets to prevent congested traffic. And citizens make good use of both!

8) Stockholm, Sweden
stockholm
Another clean capital, Stockholm has opted to closely regulate its vehicle traffic to maintain air quality in densely populated areas. This includes penalties for commuters, but also ample encouragement to bike in the city. It’s mass transit system is among the best in Europe! Eco-friendly vehicles are also rising in popularity here. Another interesting adaptation in Stockholm is the reduced carpets. You are probably wondering why this deals with air quality. The reality is that carpets are on of the leading issues in indoor air quality. Because of the lack of carpet indoor air quality tends to be consistently higher than any other national.  While carpet cleaners may not like this country very much it is one of the best in the world.

9) Zurich, Switzerland
zurich-switzerland
Zurich does massive transit in a huge way with everything from trams and boats to more traditional options like buses and light rail service. The citizens here are also into cycling instead of driving, and many people are able to walk to everything they need, including work and essential services.

10) Tallinn, Estonia

Tallinn city. Estonia. Snow on trees in winter, panoram view

Tallinn city. Estonia. Snow on trees in winter, panoram view

This Baltic capital is the star in the crown of a country, Estonia, that is quickly developing a reputation for sound ecological practices as well as a highly tech-savvy government. Much of the country is pristine forests and other ecosystems, making it easy to see how much they value protecting the environment.

That wraps up our whirlwind turn of cities with the cleanest air. Next time you consider buying bulk dust masks to live in your city, just think about these places and ways you can help bring cleaner air to your city!

 

By:  Vincent Stokes 

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