Has 2021 been a great year for the planet? Well, almost certainly not – and that’s putting it lightly. The climate crisis is worsening and governments around the world are continuing to dither and delay. Despite another year of stern warnings and worrying predictions, we’re all severely and irreversibly damaging the planet.
But things aren’t all bad. There are still plenty of reasons to be cheerful – or if not exactly cheerful, to be not that miserable. Cities are still innovating and doing their best to embark on green initiatives. And all around the world, people, businesses and local governments have found ways to do their bit to be more sustainable.
From mass reforestation projects and sustainable department stores to cooperative housing and revolutionary urban planning, cities are transforming their citizens’ way of life. Indeed, the bright side of the current crisis isn’t just bright: it’s blindingly promising. There are obviously plenty of people around the world who want to create real change, and they definitely deserve a bit of recognition.
As part of this year’s Time Out Love Local Awards, we asked you to name the best green city projects that you heard about in 2021. Here are all the award winners, along with a handful of other standout works that cropped up across the globe this year.
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