Medellin, Colombia, has been included among the 10 greenest cities in the world, ranking eighth in an international list compiled by Time Out. This recognition highlights the city’s sustained progress in sustainability, urban planning, and the recovery of natural spaces within its urban environment.
The ranking, based on global surveys measuring access to green areas, quality of life, and public perception, positions Medellin as a leading example in Latin America. Its inclusion underscores not only its environmental commitment but also how successfully it has integrated nature into everyday life, transforming parks, avenues, and hillsides into accessible spaces for the community.
Green corridors: the project behind Medellin’s transformation
One of the main factors behind this recognition is the development of the so-called green corridors, a strategy that has reshaped Medellin’s urban landscape over the past decade. Launched in 2016, this initiative involves planting trees, shrubs, and vegetation along avenues, waterways, and public spaces.
Today, the city features more than 30 green corridors connecting different parts of the territory, from residential neighborhoods to natural reserves. This network not only enhances the city’s visual appeal but also serves critical environmental functions, such as reducing the urban heat island effect.
According to official data, these interventions have lowered temperatures by an average of 2°C in the areas where they have been implemented.
In addition, the planting of more than 350,000 trees and millions of plants has contributed to improved air quality, reduced noise levels on major roads, and increased urban biodiversity. Birds, insects, and other species have found new habitats within these green spaces, strengthening Medellin’s reputation as a model for sustainable urban development.
Green spaces and quality of life
Beyond the corridors, Medellin has expanded its network of parks and natural reserves, which play a key role in residents’ well-being. Locations such as Parque Arvi and the Jardin Botanico de Medellin have become international references for their biodiversity and integration with the city.
These areas serve not only environmental purposes but also social ones. They function as spaces for recreation, community gathering, and environmental education, attracting thousands of visitors daily. In increasingly dense urban settings, access to nearby green areas has a direct impact on both physical and mental health.
Moreover, Medellin’s urban planning has incorporated sustainability criteria into infrastructure, mobility, and housing projects. This integration of nature has helped create a more climate-resilient city and improved overall livability for its residents.
Global ranking of the greenest cities in 2026
The 2026 list published by Time Out includes cities from different continents that stand out for their environmental quality, access to nature, and sustainable planning. The full ranking is as follows:
- Bath (England).
- Chicago (U.S.).
- Montreal (Canada).
- Riga (Latvia).
- Melbourne (Australia).
- Cape Town (South Africa).
- Singapore (Singapore).
- Medellin (Colombia).
- Stockholm (Sweden).
- Hamburg (Germany).