Geneva, one of the greenest cities in Europe
In Geneva, 20% of the territory is composed of greenery. Going to Geneva is not only an urban getaway but also, in a sense, a green getaway. The reason is that the city is on a human scale and its exceptional location south of Lake Geneva offers a setting that is conducive to getting closer to nature. In the city, parks, paths and promenades have been developed with several objectives: to offer a more pleasant living environment, but also to make the inhabitants aware of the variety of trees and plants and the need to protect them. as the "City of parks", Geneva is a choice stop for lovers of green spaces in the city, first and foremost the Conservatory and Botanical Gardens. This veritable living museum includes more than 16,000 species, greenhouses, horticultural beds, an animal area and an arboretum. The English Garden, on the left bank of the lake, is one of the city's most animated outdoor spaces in fine weather, while the Eaux-Vives Park allows you to stroll through the plant beds composed of alpine plants, azaleas and a rich collection of rhododendrons. In the heart of the neighborhoods, promenades such as the Promenade des Clochettes and the Promenade Théodore-Weber offer residents the opportunity to walk from one street or avenue to another in the shade of tall trees and hedges.
Air pollution: the main ecological challenge
Air quality is a problem in Geneva, with fears for the health of its inhabitants during pollution peaks. Based on its findings, the city of Geneva is implementing differentiated traffic when the situation requires it. Transport and the empowerment of citizens are also a priority for Geneva. It invites workers to change their behavior and to use bicycles more, to take public transport and to buy electric cars. To this end, the city is committed to installing more charging stations.
In a small country like Switzerland, cooperation with neighboring states is essential in the fight against pollution. Greater Geneva and its Swiss and French partners have been working since 2017 around an agreement (PACT'AIR) to improve Franco-Vaud-Geneva air quality. A plan was signed in January 2018 with specific objectives regarding the reduction of fine particles and nitrogen oxides until 2030. The creation of common diagnostic tools, the implementation of differentiated traffic and the experimentation of a dedicated carpooling lane at the Thônex-Vallard customs are also part of the protocol.
Geneva is actively committed to sustainable development
Geneva's commitment to sustainable development goes beyond its borders, as the city participates on its own scale in the implementation of the sustainable development objectives defined by the Agenda 2030 under the aegis of the United Nations. This is reflected in the creation of refuges for indigenous flora and fauna in urban green spaces and the abandonment of pesticides. As for waste, the city has 3,500 containers, and the population is meticulously encouraged to sort and respect the collection days. It should be noted that the City of Geneva has an Agenda 21 - Sustainable City Department. It is in charge of leading the municipal policy in the field of sustainable development. The mission is transparent as the department regularly publishes a newsletter "Geneva, sustainable city", so that the population is informed of the latest measures and their progress.
