Discover the 20 greenest destinations on Earth, leading in sustainability, renewable energy, and conservation
As the climate crisis continues to escalate, sustainability has become more crucial than ever. Many destinations worldwide are stepping up to the challenge, leading the way in environmental conservation, renewable energy, and green policies. Here are 20 of the greenest destinations on Earth inspire a more sustainable future.
20. Ecuador
Ecuador was the first country to recognise nature’s rights in its constitution. With vast stretches of protected Amazon rainforest and the world-famous Galapagos Islands, Ecuador has prioritised conservation despite ongoing pressures from resource extraction.
El Cajas National Park, EcuadorShutterstock
Ecuador protects its Amazon rainforestShutterstock
19. New Zealand
At present, renewable energy sources generate 80-85% of New Zealand’s electricity. The country also focuses on sustainable tourism, has ambitious carbon reduction goals, and implements extensive wildlife protection measures.
A geothermal power station near Taupo, New ZealandShutterstock
18. Vancouver, Canada
Vancouver is a global leader in green energy, sustainability, and urban environmental policies. The city has ambitious targets to become the world’s greenest city, focusing on reducing carbon emissions, expanding green spaces, and promoting clean energy initiatives.
17. Helsinki, Finland
Helsinki is working towards eliminating car ownership and promoting sustainable public transport and cycling. Green policies, strict energy standards, and vast nature reserves make it one of Europe’s greenest capitals.
A robot bus in Helsinki, FinlandShutterstock
16. Chile
Home to vast national parks and South America’s first geothermal plant, Chile is investing heavily in renewable energy. The government aims for 90% of its energy to come from renewables by 2050.
A geothermal plant in ChileShutterstock
A solar power plant in Chile Shutterstock
15. Azores Islands, Portugal
A model of sustainable tourism, the Azores run on a mix of geothermal, wind, and hydropower. The islands are a sanctuary for marine life, with well-regulated eco-tourism initiatives that protect local biodiversity.
A coastal path in the AzoresShutterstock
14. Ljubljana, Slovenia
Slovenia and its capital, Ljubljana, are pioneers in green tourism and sustainability. Ljubljana was the first European capital to adopt a zero-waste program, while the country boasts numerous protected natural areas, sustainable agriculture, and a strong commitment to conservation.
Ljubljana, SloveniaShutterstock
13. Switzerland
Famous for its pristine landscapes, Switzerland enforces strict environmental policies, a ‘polluter pays’ waste management system, and has one of the highest rates of recycling and renewable energy adoption in the world.
A scrapyard in SwitzerlandShutterstock
A row of recycling bins in Zurich, SwitzerlandShutterstock
12. Sikkim, India
Sikkim, India’s first fully organic farming state, has banned chemical pesticides and fertilisers, making it a global leader in sustainable agriculture. The state’s rich biodiversity, strict conservation policies, and clean energy initiatives have made it one of the greenest regions in the world.
Fresh vegetables in Sikkim, IndiaShutterstock
11. The Netherlands
The Netherlands is a world leader in urban sustainability, cycling infrastructure, and renewable energy. Cities like Amsterdam and Rotterdam integrate green architecture, floating farms, and innovative water management solutions.
A floating dairy farm in Rotterdam, the NetherlandsShutterstock
10. Uruguay
Uruguay generates over 95% of its electricity from renewables, including wind, solar, and hydro. The country also leads in organic agriculture and sustainable living, with initiatives promoting eco-friendly communities.
A wind farm near Maldonado, UruguayShutterstock
9. Costa Rica
With 99% of its electricity derived from renewable sources, Costa Rica is a global leader in sustainability. The country has ambitious plans to be carbon-neutral by 2050 and has undertaken extensive reforestation projects.
The Monteverde Cloud Forest in Costa RicaShutterstock
8. The Isle of Eigg, Scotland
Owned by a cooperative of residents, this tiny island is exemplifies community-driven sustainability. Eigg boasts a fully renewable electricity grid powered by wind, solar, and hydro energy. The island also prioritises eco-tourism and wildlife conservation.
A stunning view of the Isle of Eigg, ScotlandShutterstock
7. Rwanda
One of the cleanest countries in Africa, Rwanda has banned plastic bags and mandates a monthly national clean-up day, Umuganda. The country also invests heavily in conservation, successfully reintroducing endangered species such as lions and rhinos.
Tea plantations in RwandaShutterstock
6. Sweden
With over half of its energy sourced from renewables, Sweden is at the forefront of sustainability. Green city planning, nature conservation, and a strong recycling culture make it a global leader in eco-conscious living.
Sustainable shopping in SwedenShutterstock
5. Iceland
With its vast geothermal and hydroenergy resources, Iceland generates almost all of its electricity from renewables. Its commitment to green energy and conservation makes it one of the world’s most sustainable nations.
A geothermal plant in IcelandShutterstock
4. Freiburg, Germany
This German city is a blueprint for sustainable urban planning. Its car-free areas, energy-efficient housing, and reliance on solar energy make it a standout example of an eco-friendly city.
A view of Sonnenschiff, a building that generates four times more energy than it usesShutterstock
3. Oslo, Norway
Oslo’s Climate Budget initiative ensures that financial policies align with carbon reduction targets. The city also invests in sustainable neighbourhoods like Vulkan, which runs on a combination of solar and geothermal energy.
A driverless Navya shuttle in Oslo, NorwayShutterstock
2. Copenhagen, Denmark
A cyclist’s paradise, Copenhagen leads the way in sustainable urban planning. The city’s Copenhill power plant converts waste into energy while doubling as a ski slope, setting a new standard for green innovation.
A view of Copenhill, the waste-to-energy power plantShutterstock
1. Bhutan
Topping the list, Bhutan is the world’s only carbon-negative country. With strict environmental policies, hydroelectric energy, and a commitment to maintaining at least 60% forest cover, Bhutan sets the gold standard for sustainability.
A hydropower plant in BhutanShutterstock
Bhutan focuses on "high-value, low-impact" tourismShutterstock
This article was updated on 17/02/2025.
