Comments on: 2020 Global Sustainability Centers

By: Rex Adam

Rex Adam — Wed, 18 Mar 2009 20:18:41 +0000

I was more than surprised to see Victoria B.C. make your list as it continues to dump its raw sewage in the ocean much to the chagrin of communities across the strait. However, I guess contributing to algea growth does contribute to the greening of the planet. Likewise I am sure debris dumped in the ocean breaks down after only a few decades as opposed to hundreds of years in a landfill. Way to go you clever analysts.

By: johntymouse

johntymouse — Tue, 02 Dec 2008 21:46:36 +0000

Nice to see Wellington listed here. As a resident, I know that there are indeed some initiatives to make the city more sustainable, e.g. in recycling rubbish. But the City Council is not especially “green” in my opinion – it’s still far too keen on building roads in the urban centre, for instance, forgetting that cities are for people, not cars.

By: Edward Jepson

Edward Jepson — Wed, 29 Oct 2008 20:47:48 +0000

Why does your sustainability scale not include social equity. This omission virtually negates its validity.

By: Evangeline Aston-Tham

Evangeline Aston-Tham — Thu, 02 Oct 2008 00:12:50 +0000

I just can’t believe Melbourne is listed – how ridiculous! It calls into question the credibility of the entire list as a result. The Melbourne City Council has very little control over any aspect of the city’s development outside of the CBD and Docklands, and even then it is limited to developments of less than 25,000 sq m. The council’s responsibility is largely relegated to managing waste collection and traffic infringements, as well as planning the odd fireworks display and festival. Any of the plans that the Melbourne City Council may make are highlighly unlikley to result in any actual outcomes, as it is the State Government of Victoria that is responsible for driving the development of the State, and they have veto power over practically any measures the council may seek to implement. The majority of Victoria’s population resides in the Greater Melbourne area, hence the 3 mil + population figure; the CBD itself would contain little more than a 5% of the greater Melbourne population, if that. Therefore the Melbourne City Council’s plan is relevant to maybe 150,000 people or so. And I’m sure that if Ephishere were to conduct a review of what the State Government is doing towards establishing a plan for sustainability for the areas that constitue Greater Melbourne, that the city would actually be in the Top 10 for What Not to Do if You’re Planning a Sustainable City. Ethisphere conveniently ignores the fact that Melbourne has some of the least efficient public transport in the ‘developed’ world, is highly car dependant, has a ridiculous strategy for coping with the drought (currently in it’s 12th year) and that successive governments have made a practice of penalising residents so that businesses can continue with their unsustainable operations. And that population growth has been pursued so rampantly that there is now a serious shortage of housing and a strain of public services that are severely under resourced. Where’s this plan for sustainability? Seriously, Ethisphere – you should do your homework before you believe the hype from a largely impotent city council; one that actually has no say in the development of the the areas that house the bulk of the population that qualified Melbourne for this list in the first place.

By: John K

John K — Tue, 30 Sep 2008 06:42:59 +0000

I am so delighted that my home town Hyderabad is among the likes of London and New York. I almost fell off my chair when I saw it on the list! To all those cynical about including an Indian city – just remember WE ARE CHANGING!!

By: Stephen Knutson

Stephen Knutson — Sun, 28 Sep 2008 21:08:39 +0000

I would like to know about sustainable and green cities that are of 100,000 or less persons. That is the real future of sustainable. The grassroots of a needed movement.

By: James Lee

James Lee — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 09:51:25 +0000

Will be great if Ethisphere can go further to announcing another 10 cities which have shown some improvements in ALL facets in the last 5 years AND willing to commit to improving further in the next 5 WITH concrete plans in hand.

By: Rick

Rick — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 09:51:24 +0000

I do not find it odd to see Singapore in the list. They always planned ahead, long enough before others to recognise the necessity to act.

But I find it odd for MARK to comment on the free speech & human rights (what else?)here.

By: Valerie Sharpe

Valerie Sharpe — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 00:20:18 +0000

I am not familiar enough with the other cities listed to comment, but I am certainly aware that Victoria, British Columbia dumps its raw sewage directly into the harbour. They are one of only two large cities in Canada that do this. How on earth (no pun intended) did they get included in this list? They are one of the last Canaidan cities I would think would be included.

By: F. AYOB

F. AYOB — Fri, 19 Sep 2008 20:59:16 +0000

What procedure does our city need to follow to also become a participant. Our city is based in South Africa and the name is Mafikeng the place where the famous Boys Scout movement started
the city will be a meduim city with a population of about 200 000 people

By: Patrick Dowling

Patrick Dowling — Fri, 19 Sep 2008 11:46:53 +0000

I think that there should be a mechanism for polling citizens’ views of ratings given. A lot of people seem to know about the results through the media, but there was definiely not a particularly transparent process around the lead up to the assessment. A public participation item needs to be added to your list.

By: Chandu Pingali

Chandu Pingali — Mon, 15 Sep 2008 06:05:20 +0000

Nice to see Hyderabad in this list. A city where poor and rich can live at a time and which never sleeps. I really love the hospitality and attitude of the residents of Hyderabad. People are always willing to help 24*7 and belongs to various cultures.
A vistor can find latest tech power houses besides old tombs and forts.It really caters to all segments of people and the best part is always people cherish their visit to Hyderabad.

By: Mark

Mark — Mon, 15 Sep 2008 05:52:33 +0000

Odd that Singapore is in this list. While it is making an effort to look green (public transport, high taxes on cars, lots of trees and parks, public campaigns for energy-conservations…), it still gets 100% of its energy out of imported oil and gas (electricity is generated in gas powered plants). Which is not very sustainable, especially in the long term.

Singapore is also a violator of free speech; newspapers and the opposition are regularly sued by the government, and censorship is still rampant. Although the situation is improving.

By: Bobbie

Bobbie — Fri, 12 Sep 2008 14:31:30 +0000

Different cities with different aspirations but there should be one goal how green they are,how healthy the city remains for generations & not to forget how well economically balanced on Earth…This proves to be the The Best City To live on this Mother Earth,I’m Enthralled to city my Hometown Hyderabad,India alongside the the Economic Powerhouses NYC,London etc… Sure it achieves it on the right if there’s a good political will.

By: Justin

Justin — Fri, 12 Sep 2008 08:24:15 +0000

This is a great way to showcase what is happening across the world in sustainability. It also gives a great insight in the major cities in the world and how they are confronting the problems of the 21st century.

By: Joy Hendry

Joy Hendry — Fri, 05 Sep 2008 15:28:11 +0000

I am delighted to see Edinburgh listed. Having lived here all my adult life, I daily enjoy its unique qualities, historical, contemporary, architectural – and its cultural life. I hope this will encourage more people to dip their toes in this remarkable city and savour its vigorous diversity