The challenge "WWF's One Planet City Challenge" is a global initiative with the goal of cities showing the way towards a climate-safe future.
This year, over 350 cities from around 50 countries participated, including 21 Swedish municipalities.
It is now clear that Malmö City has been selected as the winner in Sweden.
I think it's worth saying that Malmö, just like the finalists Stockholm and Uppsala, has shown that they are holding fast to their climate work over time. They have shown that cities can be drivers of the climate transition, says Sabina Andrén, global program coordinator for WWF's challenge.
The jury has, among other things, highlighted Malmö's focus on reducing emissions in transportation and sustainable mobility.
The jury's assessment is that Malmö has taken measures that not only reduce climate impact but also have other social benefits.
They have a forward-thinking ambition to improve sustainable mobility based on fossil-free and healthier transportation methods. Malmö is building out bike paths, electrifying public transportation, and giving priority to faster bus lines, says Andrén.
Malmö City's environmental commissioner sees the award as a receipt that they are focusing on the right things.
Instead of parking garages, we've started investing in mobility centers, says Hedén and continues:
You should be able to charge your car there, but there should also be pools for electric cars. The idea is that it should work a bit like with electric scooters. You don't need to own your electric car.
Hedén is also proud of their environmental contracts with companies in the municipality.
Companies promise to do something, and we promise to do something for the green work. If we're going to make this happen, we need to create conditions and work together.