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Polluted Cities Exposed: Ranking the U.S. Greenhouse Gas Offenders
3 Oct
Summary
- EPA warns air pollution linked to lung, heart disease
- San Jose tops "greenest cities" list with renewable energy, low emissions
- Stark contrast between cities with highest and lowest greenhouse gas emissions
According to a report published in October 2025, the U.S. cities with the highest and lowest greenhouse gas emissions per capita have been identified. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has warned that air pollutants, including ozone and particulate matter, can significantly increase the risk and severity of lung disease, heart disease, and other health conditions.
The report, compiled by the personal finance website WalletHub, found that children, older adults, and those living in highly polluted areas are especially vulnerable to the effects of air pollution. The five cities with the highest greenhouse gas emissions per capita were identified, while the five cities with the lowest emissions were also highlighted.
Notably, San Jose, California, was named the "greenest" city in the country, ranking fifth in solar panel installations per capita and generating nearly half of its electricity from renewable sources. The city also boasts the nation's fourth-lowest urban heat island effect, helping to keep temperatures moderate. San Jose's sustainability efforts, including a plastic bag ban and bike-sharing program, were also praised in the report.
WalletHub analyst Chip Lupo emphasized that living in a green city can make it easier for individuals to adopt eco-friendly lifestyles, thanks to sustainable laws, policies, and infrastructure that reduce the need for vehicle use. The greenest cities, he said, also provide better air and water quality, which is beneficial for residents' health.
