One of the main arguments is the proximity of green areas. According to Chueca, almost 80% of Zaragoza residents live less than 300 metres from a green space. This is complemented by the Bosque de los Zaragozanos, a project through which the city council aims to plant one tree for every resident: more than 700,000 in total. The initiative has already exceeded 250,000 trees planted and seeks to strengthen the natural heritage of a city also shaped by its dry climate.
Efficient water use and waste management make up another of the pillars of the bid. Zaragoza has managed to cut its water consumption in cubic hectometres by almost half and, at the same time, recycles more than 52% of the waste it generates. Chueca also highlights the projects the city is promoting to move towards becoming a European zero-waste city, while preparing new measures to address the effects of climate change.
The bid is rounded out by climate adaptation and people-centred policies. Zaragoza has a plan to prepare for increasingly adverse weather conditions and is part of the European mission for climate-neutral cities by 2035. Now, following the presentation of the bids in Guimarães, the decisive moment will arrive: the jury will have to choose the city that will hold the title of European Green Capital 2028, a decision that will be announced this Thursday, October 8, in the Portuguese city.
