Rimini, the only city to exceed 200 square metres of pedestrian areas per inhabitant, is a model case. By contrast, Ferrara shows a high car density, with 88 cars per 100 inhabitants, well above the national average of 68.
Growing contradictions between urban growth and sustainability
Despite good positions in the ranking, some urban planning and mobility choices raise concerns. Reggio Emilia, for example, while improving its public transport offer, records an increase in car registrations. Moreover, in the same city, construction of a new hypermarket has been approved that will destroy a five-hectare urban wood, a contradiction of the goals of environmental sustainability and protection of public green space.
Bologna, too, presents a complex situation. Despite positive results in reducing land consumption between 2017 and 2022, the city is going ahead with the “Passante” project and the widening of motorway lanes, choices that will increase soil sealing. These decisions are particularly controversial in light of the recent floods that have struck the region, two in May 2023 and another two between September and October 2024. According to experts, soil sealing and excessive urbanisation contribute to hydrogeological instability, a reality that calls for a long-term change of perspective.
The need for a new vision for cities
Legambiente Emilia-Romagna stresses the urgency of a radical transformation in the management of land and resources, especially considering the effects of climate change and the region’s growing vulnerability. Investment is needed to improve underground water-management infrastructure and to adopt nature-based solutions to prevent the risks of floods and landslides. It also stresses the importance of an effective halt to land consumption, replacing heavy infrastructure projects with measures that respect and enhance the natural environment.
The Ecosistema Urbano 2024 report offers a clear picture of the environmental situation in Italy’s provincial capitals, but it also draws attention to the challenges that remain open. The road towards real sustainability for the cities of Emilia-Romagna has begun, but it requires constant commitment and political decisions that put the protection of the environment and the territory at the centre.
Here is the ranking of the top 20 Italian cities according to Legambiente’s Ecosistema Urbano 2024 report:
- Reggio Emilia
- Trento
- Parma
- Bolzano
- Belluno
- Cosenza
- Treviso
- Biella
- Bologna
- Ferrara
- Siena
- Macerata
- Pordenone
- Mantova
- Lucca
- Cremona
- Verona
- Pesaro
- Ravenna
- Forlì
This ranking highlights the cities that stand out for their environmental performance in mobility, air, waste management, urban environment and use of renewable energy.
sources:
Legambiente Emilia-Romagna
