Insights from Sweden’s first comprehensive urban green space analysis 

Today, Husqvarna Group proudly presents the "Top Green Cities Sweden" report, the first in-depth analysis of urban green spaces and biodiversity in Sweden's 20 largest cities. Using AI-driven satellite data, the report reveals a concerning trend - the proportion of green space in these cities is decreasing. This could potentially lead to challenges for urban health, biodiversity, and sustainability.
Read the full report here (in Swedish) 

Since 2019, HUGSI, the Husqvarna Urban Green Space Index, has been a global authority on urban green space data. Developed by Husqvarna Group and led by Erik Swan, HUGSI has evolved into a vital AI tool used by academia and city planners worldwide to track and improve green areas in urban environments. 

The importance of green spaces cannot be overstated. They act as the "lungs" of cities, enhancing air quality, reducing flooding risks, and promoting both physical and mental well-being. As urbanization accelerates, balancing green and grey areas is crucial to maintaining sustainable urban growth. 

“We want to spread knowledge about the development of green areas to contribute to more sustainable cities. Sweden's cities are generally greener than the average in Europe and the rest of the world, but the development is unfortunately going in the wrong direction. By presenting objective data, we hope to contribute to an increased dialogue about how we preserve, develop and expand our cities' green spaces,” says Erik Swan, Project Manager for HUGSI. 

Global AI insights shaping greener cities ahead

Similar analyses have been carried out in Denmark earlier this summer, and upcoming assessments in Italy within the next few weeks will provide further insights. As HUGSI celebrates its sixth year, covering 290 cities across 61 countries, it continues to innovate. In November, we’ll release fresh global data, further support cities with the insights they need to create healthier, greener urban environments.