A new report ranks 72 U.S. cities on their environmental quality, including such common indicators as pollution and drinking water quality, but also social aspects like public health, poverty, and quality of life. On top of the list: Fargo, ND.
"The Urban Environment Report released by the Earth Day Network ranked 72 cities in seven areas: air quality, quality of life, parks and recreation, toxics and waste, drinking and surface water, human and public health, and global warming climate change."
Burlington, Vermont, Portland, Oregon, Colorado Springs, Colorado, and Sioux Falls, South Dakota round out the top five. Cleveland, Miami, and Detroit are at the bottom of the list.
From the report's publisher, Earth Day Network:
"Earth Day Network's Urban Environment Report (UER) scores the current environmental performance of 72 of our nation's cities based on over 200 indicators, taking into account those populations which may have greater sensitivity or susceptibility to environmental, health, and social problems."
The Urban Environment Report broadens our view of environmental quality of life by taking into account those who often suffer the most but are heard the least. Earth Day Network's mission is to grow and diversify the environmental movement worldwide, and to mobilize it as the most effective vehicle for promoting a healthy, sustainable planet. We pursue these goals through education, politics, cultural events, and consumer activism.
