Uppsala, Global Climate City of the Year (WWF)

Stockholm – The Swedish town of Uppsala has been named global climate city of the year by the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF).

The international jury which selected Uppsala for the title out of 132 cities from 23 countries across the world, highlighted the city’s strong approach to climate policy and high targets set.

These include the objective of fossil-free local transport and energy by 2030, investments in infrastructure for electric cars, climate-friendly housing and transport in newly built residential areas.

According to the jury, if just two out of ten of the world’s cities implemented Uppsala’s policies, global CO2 emissions could decrease by 58,000,000 tonnes a year.

“Uppsala shows strong leadership and takes real action with climate issues. We are now calling on other cities in the world to look at Uppsala as a model to follow,” said Sabina Andrén from the WWF.

For her part, Uppsala’s mayor Marlene Burwick said the city’s success on climate issues was down to high ambitions and cooperation. “We have long been working with universities, companies and the region,” she added.

It is the first time that a Swedish city has received the prize, which is awarded every two years.