Potsdam: Environmental quality in 15th place - where is the climb?

overall Potsdam achieved 110.2 out of 200 possible points. This number is well above the nationwide average of 96.3 points. But despite the positive approaches in the field of air quality, garbage management and drinking water quality, the East German comparison is not quite as glorious. Cities like Halle (5), Chemnitz (6) and Magdeburg (8) all end up with Potsdam, while Rostock (18) and Leipzig (20) rank behind them. Another problem child is Erfurt, which even ends up in 28th place below the national average.

A look at the categories

The analysis evaluates four decisive criteria: air quality, garbage, drinking water and access to public green spaces. In the category of green areas, Potsdam scores in 6th place out of 9 cities with 20.7 points. Magdeburg and Berlin are at the top with 50 and 44.5 points. Potsdam also falls in 5th place with 32.9 points, but has to classify itself behind cities like Dresden (45.5 points).

Potsdam is particularly positive in air quality. With 25.3 points, the city takes 5th place here, but Chemnitz clearly leads the ranking with 36.4 points. In the area of drinking water quality, Potsdam again reaches 5th place with 31.3 points, while Chemnitz achieves the maximum value of 50 points.

health and quality of life in focus

The analysis should not only represent numbers, but also to initiate a discussion about health and living conditions in cities. In this context, the results of the study by PWC, in which working people were interviewed in twelve major cities, are also revealing. Nine out of ten city dwellers: inside feel good at their place of residence, whereby cultural and leisure activities as well as job opportunities are highly valued. Nevertheless, the high traffic load and the tense housing market situation remains a challenge that affects many cities.

The in -depth consideration of the environmental quality in Potsdam shows that although the city cuts off well in many areas, there is still room for improvement. The struggle for placements in Rankings is not only a question of pride, but also a reflection of the quality of life for the citizens: inside. Perhaps it is time for Potsdam to roll up the sleeves and move further forward at the next rankings.