The world's second-smallest country aims to be carbon neutral by 2050

It's finally happening. Significant actions are well underway, instead of being downplayed by entrancing speeches of saving the environment. Of late, we have seen the prevelance of eco-friendly fashion labels, global F&B chains like Starbucks abolishing plastic straws, and even our city's first zero-waste grocery store taking bold strides in sustainability. 

Now an entire country — the Principality of Monaco — is pledging to be carbon neutral by the year 2050. This means that the country will reduce its greenhouse gas emissions by 80 percent in about 32 years.

The mass initiative is a result of H.S.H. Prince Albert II's vision in stabilising global warming of our planet earth, and the announcement is accompanied with a 'Green is the New Glam' tourism campaign, tapping the collective efforts of key players and establishments within the country. It will also be a formidable testament to how nothing needs to be compromised when an opulent city like Monte Carlo goes green. 

How will it all begin? For starters, the affluent sport of car rallies will be performed in zero-emission fashion (electric automobiles take the wheel here) while luxury hotels and acclaimed restaurants also work towards going green. This means hotels like Fairmont Monte Carlo implementing renewable energy sources like employing sea water, to powering up their central heating and air-conditioning systems. Restaurants, like 1-Michelin Blue Bay, will grow their own produce in an on-site kitchen garden under the tender loving hands of urban agriculturalists.

Transportation wise, travellers will be spoilt with a slew of eco-friendly options — whether it be an abundance of bike stations, a solar-powered bus boat and a dozen of hybrid buses. If there's a will, there's a way. 

The important movement is in no means, a small feat. But hey, Rome wasn't built in a day. Here's to hoping that by 2050, the rest of the world will be in a better place. 

To find out more about 'Green is the New Glam' campaign, click here.