‘Freedom is a city where you can breathe’: four experts on Europe’s most liveable capitals
From Copenhagen’s cycle lanes and Vienna’s shared parks to Barcelona and London’s unfulfilled potential, better living is close at hand
TL;DR
- Environmental risks contribute significantly to deaths from cardiovascular disease and cancer across Europe.
- Copenhagen is praised for its extensive investment in bike lanes and infrastructure, with 30-40% of residents commuting by bike.
- Vienna's high quality of life is attributed to social housing, green spaces, and integrated public transport, reducing health inequalities.
- Barcelona is creating 'superblocks' and 'green axes' to prioritize pedestrians over cars, though implementation has been slow.
- London has ample green space, but access is often dangerous due to speeding vehicles and a lack of pedestrian safety measures.
- Air pollution remains a concern in Copenhagen, impacting children's grades.
- Political shifts in Austria raise concerns about the future of Vienna's progressive environmental policies.
- Barcelona faces increasing heat due to climate change and traffic density.
- The rise of SUVs is exacerbating traffic dangers in London.