Naples, Milan named worst environment

A study by Italy's Environmental Research Institute has named two Italian cities, Naples and Milan, as the least eco-friendly towns in Europe.

The study, performed in conjunction with environmental lobbyist group Legambiente, looked at 20 'eco-indicators' to give a percentage score to 26 European cities, the ANSA news agency reported Thursday.

Helsinki, Finland, was named the cleanest city with a score of 80 percent. Naples and Milan scored 21 and 25 percent respectively, and Rome was just a little higher with 29 percent, making it the fifth worst city in terms of the environment.

"Unfortunately Italy's big cities are the black sheep of Europe," said Legambiente Chairman Roberto della Seta. "In fact, Milan and Naples are the blackest of the black."

The report marked Naples down for low quality public transportation, high trash production, lack of a recycling program, and a low ratio of park areas to city residents.

Milan had the highest smog levels in Europe, and the second-highest levels of ozone after Paris.

Copyright 2006 by United Press International

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