A new report published by Arcadis ranks the top North American cities with green transportation systems based on the “overall sustainability of urban transportation systems.”
According to that, the cities were measured by ranking measures includes social, environmental, and economic impact.
North American cities rank low compared to European or Asian cities due to the car-centric culture that exists today. However, many cities are striving to provide sustainable, alternative transportation options through various strategies. See what mobility strategies are happening across the nation on the map and download the report for more.
While personal vehicles may be the most common mode of transportation, they aren’t always the most environmentally friendly. This is especially true in populated cities where the public transportation systems can be a lot more energy-efficient with the use of green technology, clean commuting is even more beneficial to the environment.
New York City took the top spot. San Francisco, Vancouver, Montreal, and Washington, D.C., followed, in that order.
Top 5 Cities with Green Transportation Systems
To determine the Top 5 Green Transportation Cities, several factors were taken into consideration, as the average time spent commuting and the system’s hours of operation, how reliable the transportation system is, how much coverage they provide and the system’s ability to lower emissions. Other factors include access to multiple transit modes, bicycle infrastructure, affordability of public transit, digital mapping and payment capabilities, internet connectivity, and more.
Here are the top five North American cities with green transportation systems, according to data from the Sustainable Cities Mobility Index by Arcadis.
New York City, being the most populous city in the United States, has a transportation system which includes one of the largest subway systems in the world; the world’s first mechanically ventilated vehicular tunnel; and an aerial tramway.
The subway system is one of the most developed in the world. Millions of people use New York’s public transportation to get across the city without driving their own vehicles. That helps keep more cars off the roads and fewer emissions in the atmosphere.
The City by the Bay offers public transportation options, but they aren’t quite as popular to use as they are in New York. However, San Francisco also offers many initiatives for green energy. There are many electric vehicles in the city, for example.
San Francisco is becoming a model of how to work successfully with businesses and community groups to phase in and scale up sustainable transportation policies that make an immediate local and citywide impact.
The transportation system is aiming for allow for personal freedoms and environmental benefits to coexist, making sure there are many sustainable options to get around. Gas-fueled vehicles accounted for approximately 37% of our total emissions in 2017.
The city scored well in terms of system maintenance, air pollution and incentives to promote the use of electric vehicles, especially the public transportation systems.
According to a new report from the Arcadis Sustainable Cities Mobility Index, Montreal ranks as the fourth greenest transportation city in North America. The city ranked well for green transportation options with well-organized subway and easy for passengers to use. Montreal’s public transportation is an environmentally-friendly choice.
Montréal is home to a rapidly-growing sector of clean transport innovators, and their work is changing the face of it.
The United States’ capital ranks well for clean commuting with diverse range of national parks, including the National Mall, residents are often found walking to their next destination.
Washington, DC was the first city in North America to launch a bike-share system, which now has more than 4,000 bikes.
While the above cities top the North American none of them find a place in the international cities rank, according to the data from Arcadis.
The top European cities ranked well due to their organized metro systems and efficient infrastructure. These cities also use a lot of green technology in their transportation efforts, which means they release fewer carbon emissions.
As a new travel photographer, you are probably asking yourself what camera gear equipment you should invest in when first starting out.
Most travelers don’t need backup cameras, drones, and multiple lenses. An economy of weight and space is important when traveling. The camera gear evolved over time.
Probably you ask yourself many questions like what camera gear should I use for travel?
What is the best travel camera?
What type of camera should I use?
Do I need a tripod?
What should I put in my travel camera gear?
What other travel photography gear should I bring with me on vacation?
A camera is no good without a photographer, but the opposite is also true! Here you’ll find photography gear guide, with links and explanations of what photography gear and accessories you need for your next vacation. In our next posts, we’ll offer tips and tricks on how to take better photographs while traveling.
First released in 2012, the Canon EOS 6D is now nearly six years old. Overall, the implementations of GPS and Wi-Fi are among the best we’ve seen. It is the most affordable full-frame sensor that Canon offers. The camera falls squarely between the 5D Mark III and the 7D in both price and features.
The Canon EOS 6D Digital SLR Camera features a 20.2MP Full-Frame CMOS sensor, a wide ISO range of 100-25600, expandable to L: 50, H1: 51200, and H2: 102400, for incredible image quality even in low light, and a DIGIC 5+ Image Processor delivers enhanced noise reduction and exceptional processing speed.
its successor – the EOS 6D Mark II – represents a signficiant upgrade, offering a higher resolution sensor (26.2 megapixels vs 20 megapixels), a superior image processor and more cross-type autofocus points (45 vs 1) among other benefits.
The 6D’s 20-megapixel sensor is marginally the lowest resolution of these five cameras, but that’s still enough for A3 prints at 300dpi.
With the new EOS 60D DSLR, Canon gives the photo enthusiast a powerful tool fostering creativity, with better image quality, more advanced features and automatic and in-camera technologies for ease-of-use. It features an improved APS-C sized 18.0 Megapixel CMOS sensor for tremendous images, a new DIGIC 4 Image Processor for finer detail and excellent color reproduction, and improved ISO capabilities from 100 – 6400.
It has a aluminum and polycarbonate body that houses the 18 MP APS-C CMOS sensor. It is capable of 5.3 fps continuous burst which is perfect for moderate action.
This camera is good for enthusiast photographers beginning to outgrow their first DSLR. Videographers wanting control over their footage.
The Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 II Lens is a good low-light indoor photography lens – especially when a flash is not appropriate or desired. Mount the 50 f/1.8 II on a small DSLR and you have one of the smallest, lightest and least expensive low-light combinations available.
Its maximum aperture of f/1.8 enables a whole new variety of photographic possibilities at an incredibly low price.
The lens features a conventional micro motor without full-time manual focusing. The AF speed feels pretty fast – there aren’t really many elements to move around here. The lens uses a linear extension system for focusing.
The Canon 16-35mm F2.8L II has been one of the most coveted lenses amongst landscape photographers for a fairly long time. It is a new professional ultra-wide zoom lens for Canon’s full-frame and APS-C DSLRs.
The Canon EF 16-35mm f/2.8L III USM was introduced in 2016. The large field of view and the high brightness ensure that you can still get your subject in frame well in small or busy spaces and in poor lighting.
While the zoom range has grown, sensors have also gotten ever-more pixels. In combination with the high brightness, that ensures that the designers had difficulty making the perfect wide-angle zoom.
Because it is very high quality but moderately-priced ultra-wide-angle zoom lens, the Canon EF 17-40mm f/4L USM Lens is one of Canon’s best selling lenses.
Superior optics are assured by the use of three Aspherical lens elements, in addition to a Super UD (Ultra-low Dispersion) glass element.
It offers both Canon’s full-time manual focus and a powerful ring-type USM for fast and silent AF.
Designed to deliver ultra-high-quality images along with lightning-fast operation, the new Canon EF 70-300 f/4-5.6L IS USM telephoto zoom lens brings a favorite zoom range to the celebrated Canon L-series of lenses.
USM means Ultra-Sonic Motor, meaning AF is almost silent. The popular 70-200mm focal length is populated by five excellent L series lenses, including two f/4 variants and the 3 f/2.8 variants. The f/2.8 variants, in particular, are staples amongst event, sport, and portrait photographers.
Gleaming white, with a removable tripod collar, dust, and water-resistant construction, and a newly developed Fluorine coating that keeps soiling, smears and fingerprints to a minimum.
Marumi products are valued by photographers on account of good price/quality ratio. Filters with DHG symbol are equipped with improved antireflection coatings and the glass edges are blackened to avoid internal reflections.
This is the best polarizer I have yet to use. Virtually no glare/flare, virtually no color shift. The overall excellent coatings mean there is little image degradation due to use. I bought the 77mm size and use step-up rings to use this on all my other lenses. Mechanically, the rotation mechanism is precise with no looseness, which is a frequent issue with cheaper units.
Alta Pro tripods have unmatched flexibility, stability and enabling more angle possibilities than ever before. The Instant Swivel Stop-n-Lock (ISSL) System securely repositions the central column in one simple movement, in just a few seconds, while maintaining the tripod’s stability.
Other features include advanced camera vibration and shock control, legs that adjust to 25, 50 and 80-degree angles, quarter-twist leg locks, patented premium magnesium die-cast canopy and head
Traveling photographers who want the optimum combination of light weight and stability have known for a long time that carbon fiber tripods are tops.
Tripods are still necessary and will remain so for the foreseeable future. The reason is that a tripod is every bit as much a creative tool as it is a practical one, and can be used for many ends.
You can use the shutter release button on the transmitter to focus (with a half press). The LED on the transmitter will turn green once in focus. The LED will turn red when the shutter is triggered.
Both the receiver and transmitter use AAA batteries, but the transmitter is always on, using power only when triggered by the receiver (battery life is slated for 3 years for the transmitter, and 300 hours for the receiver). To turn on the receiver, you hold the power button until the LED lights up.
The Shutterboss Version II Timer Remote Switch for Canon with 3-Pin Connection from Vello is a remote shutter release that provides photographers with enhanced levels of exposure control. With functionality such like shooting, self-timer, long time exposures, and interval shooting, the ShutterBoss Version II is a huge asset to keep in your camera bag. This ShutterBoss is compatible with cameras that have a 3-pin connection, for example: Canon EOS 5D, 6D, 7D and 1D series DSLRS.
The Shutterboss Version II has added two features that will offer easier control over the remote’s settings. First is a Power Off option which gives you the ability to power down the remote to conserve battery life and also a Reset option allows the Shutterboss’ settings to be completely reset to default settings.
The Azores, an autonomous region of Portugal, are an archipelago in the mid-Atlantic. The islands are characterized by dramatic landscapes, fishing villages, green pastures and hedgerows of blue hydrangeas.
The Azores islands are consistently ranked as one of the best, most sustainable, and most affordable island travel destinations in Europe. Located between Europe and North America, the Azores are the perfect island getaway for those looking for a unique and beautiful destination.
There is plenty to see and do (and eat) throughout the nine islands to keep the most ambitious traveler busy and beyond satisfied; here’s just a starter.
Lets explore the top 10 things to do in the Azores:
Photo Credit: Sete Cidades, Azores, Portugal | ARoxo/Moment/Getty Images
Azores Geopark
The Azores Geopark is a network of 121 geographically-dispersed sites of geographic heritage and marine areas that covers the nine volcanic islands of the archipelago of the Azores, representating the archipelago’s vast and varied volcanic geodiversity. There’s no place quite as geologically interesting and breathtaking as the Azores Geopark.
The natural beauty in the park includes about 300 volcanic cavities, underwater geothermal sources, fumarolic fields, crater lakes, dry calderas and so much more.
If you’ve ever dreamed of discovering the world of wild dolphins and whale, then look no further. Many species of whale and dolphin pass by the Azores on their annual migrations. The Azores attracts huge numbers of dolphins and whale, many of whom are very interactive both with boats and swimmers. Whale are, undeniably, one of Mother Nature’s most beautiful and majestic creatures, so it’s only natural to want to see these marvelous animals up close and personal.
This is of the most unforgettable experiences for the whole family includes sailing through the Atlantic in search of these majestic marine mammals. Most of the islands have guided tours available. The largest of the nine islands, Sao Miguel — some of the biggest highlights lie in the vast ocean that surrounds it. And probably the easiest way there with companies in Ponta Delgada and Vila Franca do Campo.
April through June is the best time to see blue whales, but you can still see other kinds of whales and dolphins the rest of the year-round.
The waters that surround the Azores are a diver’s paradise, filled with all sorts of fish species and amazing rock formations, but diving isn’t a year-round pursuit. Each island brings something different to the table: For diving enthusiasts, the very best can be found in the waters of Terceira, near the old port of Angra do Heroísmo in Terceira there’s an underwater anchor graveyard of ancient ship anchors and marine life like eagle rays and octopus, while the awesome topography of Pico Island continues beneath the waves with sheer volcanic cliffs.
Off São Miguel there are volcanic canyons at low depth, providing habitat for octopuses and triggerfish.
Throughout the islands, there are more than 100 diving spots with over 3,000 marine species, vertical walls, clean waters and incredible encounters with manta rays, mobulas and even whale sharks.
You can dive the Azores any time of the year, but the best offshore dive sites are only really accessible during the summer.
There’s a lagoon in the middle fed by the ocean on the landward side, and so completely shielded from the ocean currents. This strange, beautiful spot fills up quickly on sunny days. You can take a short boat ride from the Pier of Vila Franca do Campo to get to this amazing location
Enjoy a once-in-a-lifetime experience at the Islet of Vila Franca do Campo. You can enjoy an afternoon on the slopes of the ancient caldera or go for a swim within the Islet’s crater. This tiny island is just a kilometer away from São Miguel’s coast. Spot beautiful and vibrant vegetation, a gorgeous lagoon shielded from the ocean’s currents, and marvel at the natural cone that the islet creates.
Photo Credit: Wikimedia Commons
Sete Cidades Caldera
This landscape has been shaped by successive volcanic events over the last 38,000 years. The last eruption might have been as recent as the 1400s, just before the island was colonized.
Nothing can prepare you for the astonishing views of the Sete Cidades Massif on the west side of São Miguel Island. Twin green and blue lakes are ensconced in evergreen vegetation and shielded by a massive volcanic crater that rises like ramparts is one of the scenic highlights of the Azores. Sitting inside the crater of an extinct volcano, a bridge divides the lake into two sections. They each have quite distinct colors. Visit on a clear day if possible, as that’s when you’ll get those perfect breathtaking views.
The natural beauty of this twin lake is breathtaking with lively hues of green blanketing the surrounding landscapes. The twin lakes, which are relatively small and are ecologically unique, are connected by a small square and can be crossed via a small bridge. They are known simply as the Green Lake and the Blue Lake
Boca do Inferno translates as the Mouth of Hell, is likely to be one of the most beautiful places you’ve ever visited. With just a few minutes walk, you’ll see a breathtaking panorama that you can’t imagine.
You can see the small town of Sete Cidades visible in the distance, and it’s one of the best places on Sao Miguel to see how volcanic activity has shaped the island.
If you are driving, don’t park in the car park off the main road, but continue driving on the dirt road opposite for a few minutes until you reach the end. The dirt road runs along the top of the caldera, and you walk walk directly alongside where you park the car.
Photo Credit: Tiago Ferreira / Flickr
Terra Nostra Park
A visit to the Terra Nostra Gardens is like spending time in a secret paradise tucked away at the Azores, one of the world’s best-kept secrets. Over 200 years old, the Terra Nostra Gardens are internationally renowned for their incredible beauty which is showcased in a sprawling 31-acre complex. Visitors to the gardens can see beautiful plant life from all over the world such as Rhododendrons from Malaysia, a collection of Cycads and Camellias, the exceptional Victoria Cruziana, and even over 300 kinds of ferns. Full of tropical and subtropical plants from the Azores and around the world, it’s easy to spend an hour or more exploring these large, impressive gardens.
Terra Nostra Park The Botanical Park´s next highlight is the famous thermal water pool. The volcanic hot spring nourishes the pool with temperatures between 35 and 40 degrees Celsius.
Photo Credit: madeinazores.eu
Pico Island Wine Country
With all of the volcanos surrounding the Azorean islands, the Pico Island Wine Country has been producing world-class wine since the 15th century. The stone homes and stone-walled vineyards that were built to protect the 2,439 acres of vineyard from fierce Atlantic winds and surges of salty ocean water from centuries ago can still be seen today in the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Criação Velha wine region, in the municipality of Madalena.
Tour the vineyards with a local guide during the day and spend the late afternoons and evenings sipping and tasting all of the gorgeous wines that Pico Island has to offer.
Photo Credit: wikipedia
Montanha do Pico
At Pico Island you can climb the mountain, 2351 meters (7713 feet) above sea level. The Montanha do Pico is one of the highest Atlantic mountains, it’s the tallest in Portugal and twice the elevation of any other peak in the Azores. The Montanha do Pico is classified as a basaltic stratovolcano and was declared a nature reserve in 1982 because of its spectacular beauty and wildlife. With a summit that often disappears into the cloud.
You can climb the mountain in the afternoon so you can see the sunset when you are in the top or enjoy a remarkable view of the Faial, Graciosa, São Jorge and Terceria Islands. The steep, nearly 3-mile trek takes about three hours. In addition to magnificent vistas, you’ll see lava tubes and fascinating rock formations too.
The Montanha do Pico is classified as a basaltic stratovolcano and was declared a nature reserve in 1982 because of its spectacular beauty and wildlife.
Photo Credit: azoresontravel.com
Poca da Dona Beija
Take a break from your tour of Sao Miguel with a relaxing swim at Poca Da Dona Beija, a small spa featuring three natural pools of iron-rich water known for its therapeutic properties. Fed by a series of hot springs, the small pools remain at about 39 C (102 F), an ideal temperature for soothing tense muscles and easing pains associated with chronic rheumatism.
Today, Poca da Dona Beija has been lovingly renovated and update to exude a rustic charm with its brick pools that are fringed by vibrant tropical vegetation. After the hot bath, you can enjoy the tropical landscaping and the gift shop of the facility. Keep in mind that the yellowish water can leave stains on your clothes.
Photo Credit: Jorge Santos / olhares.sapo.pt
Lagoa das Furnas
There are three spectacular lakes on São Miguel Island and one of them is the Lagoa das Furnas. Lagoa das Furnas is unique in scenery and experiences. One of the most unique features of Lagoa das Furnas is the clear and amazing sign of volcanic activity that takes place on the lake’s northwestern shore. Furnas is the place to visit if you want to see the hot springs. It has an active caldera with steam vents, mud pots and geysers, locals cook food in earth ovens available in picnic areas. This hot spring and most touristy city of the island is situated in the east inland of Sao Miguel in the middle of mountains and forest.
On a raised boardwalk guests can navigate to get a great view of the small calderas and pools at the lake spouting steam.
These small craters are even used by restaurant chefs in the town of Furnas who bring their pots of cozido (meat and vegetable stew) and let them simmer in the hot ground. And after that you may be enticed to head to town to taste traditional food cooked with volcanic activity.
Check this official video about Azores from VisitPortugal. Don’t forget to check their Youtube channel for more and unforgettable videos about Portugal.
