GLASGOW has been named one of the world's "standout cities" when it comes to protecting the environment and tackling climate change.

The list, which was based on the Global Destination Sustainability Index, featured locations across the globe, including Gothenburg in Sweden and Bordeaux in France.

Introducing the list, BBC Travel said: "With time running out to keep global temperature to a 1.5C rise – above which, experts warn, consequences could include far hotter days, higher sea-levels and loss of nearly all the world's coral reefs – implementing solutions for a more sustainable, lower-carbon future is key. And when it comes to destinations, some are proving better at this than others."

The Global Destination Sustainability Index takes into consideration 69 indicators such as recycling rates, air pollution levels and quantity of cycling paths.

The National: Glasgow was named alongside spots in Sweden, Norway and South Korea.Glasgow was named alongside spots in Sweden, Norway and South Korea. (Image: Getty)

Why was Glasgow named one of the world's best cities for the sustainability

Discussing Glasgow, BBC Travel said: "Even Glasgow's name speaks to its environmental heritage: "Glaschu", the Gaelic name for Glasgow, means grey-green hollow.

"Some 1500 years after its founding, the Scottish city ranks highest of any in the UK (and eighth overall) on the Global Destination Sustainability Index, where it's placed in the top 10 every year since 2016."

Kathi Kamleitner, who moved to Glasgow from Vienna 10 years ago, said that the city had made great strides in recent years to become more sustainable.

She said that examples of this include the Low Emission Zone and the building of cycling infrastructure.

She said: "The execution wasn't always the best. Sometimes it felt a bit like they got someone to build a bike path who doesn't actually ride a bike.

"But overall, I think it's good to see more of that infrastructure coming into place."

The National: Scotland's largest city was praised for its parks and green spaces.Scotland's largest city was praised for its parks and green spaces. (Image: Getty)

 

She suggested that the city embodies its reputation as a green city thanks to the high number of parks and green spaces nearby.

Comparing Vienna and Berlin to Scotland's largest city, Kathi Kamleitner said that Glasgow's public transport system is more expensive and less extensive.

Despite this, she states that she is not surprised that the city still performs well thanks to the attitude of the residents.

She concluded: "I see a lot of social enterprises and a lot of businesses really pursuing that sustainability aspect, and making it easier to meet more sustainable choices," adding: "And that's certainly something I've seen in Glasgow – more maybe than even in some of the other cities I've lived in."