I heart lists and I can't help it. I love a good argument and lists are always a fun reference point. When it comes to climate change, I read many lists about cities that feature the most prepared, sustainable, what have you. This list is different. Promise. It's a list of the top greenest cities in North America from Siemens and the Economist Intelligence Unit. This ranking is more comprehensive since it takes into account carbon emissions, land use, transportation, energy usage, buildings, water and air quality, waste, and environmental governance.

Right now, serious climate action is stalled in Congress - but many cities are moving forward. They get it because, well, 82% of Americans now live in cities, a percentage expected to hit 90% by 2050. "The best cities really have comprehensive plans for climate change and population growth across all categories," says Eric Spiegel, CEO of Siemens USA. "U.S. cities aren't waiting for Washington."

The greenest city is San Francisco because they recycle 72% of their waste, tops in the country; number two is Vancouver, which has slashed its carbon emissions over the past decade. For U.S. cities, Washington should be pay attention.

Here is the top ten:

1. San Francisco
2. Vancouver
3. New York
4. Seattle
5. Denver
6. Boston
7. Los Angeles
8. D.C.
9. Toronto
10. Minneapolis

Check out the rest on Siemens' site.  You can also see how cities rank according to the nine categories Siemens and the EIU used to evaluate them. Example: Even though San Francisco is number 1 overall they are down at 8 for carbon emissions. Calgary is number 14 on the overall list but number 1 for water. Geek out and fight about it.

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