The world’s most sustainable cities are led by women, according to a global sustainability index that has ranked Stockholm, Oslo and Copenhagen as the three highest performing cites on sustainability measures.
The Corporate Knights Sustainable Cities Index, released this week, has identified a trend of female mayors around the world distinguishing themselves as leaders on sustainability and climate action.
While the top three cities listed in the index come from progressive Scandinavian nations, female mayors in other parts of the world in cities like Bogotá, Tokyo, Paris, Accra, Calgary and San Francisco, are also making strides to improve sustainability.
According to Corporate Knights, 50 per cent of the top 10 cities in its sustainability index are led by women.
Stockholm, Sweden’s largest city, was ranked the most sustainable city in the world, and is led by Mayor, Anna König Jerlmyr who was elected to the position in 2018. She is the co-chair of C40’s steering committee, a global network of mayors promoting urgent action on climate.
According to the Sustainable Cities Index, Stockholm has some oof the best air quality of European cities, and a wealth of open space, with residents having the lowest number of vehicles per household of any European city.
Norway’s Oslo, the city ranked second most sustainable, is led by Mayor Marianne Borgen, who has been in the role since 2015. Borgen is from the Socialist Left Party. Oslo was ranked the best city for climate change resilience, where citizens also enjoy one of the most efficient road networks and produce low levels of solid waste.
Copenhagen is ranked third on the sustainability index, and is led by Mayor Sophie Hæstorp Andersen, elected in 2021. According to Corporate Knights, Danes in Copenhagen consume the least amount of water per capita than any other European city, produce some of the lowest emissions, and experience a very efficient road network.
Female mayors are increasingly making bold moves to address climate change and better sustainability. Corporate Knights notes the actions of Calgary’s first female mayor, Jyoti Gondek, who declared a climate emergency as her first action once elected.
The first female mayor of Paris, Anne Hidalgo has also undertaken significant work to decrease the city’s reliance on cars, and encourage more cyclists since she was elected in 2014.