Liverpool has been ranked among the world’s top 200 cities in the latest Oxford Economics Global Cities Index, with the city also recognised for its environmental performance and approach to sustainable growth.

Liverpool placed 152nd globally in the 2026 index, which assesses 1,000 of the world’s major cities. Oxford Economics measures cities across five categories: Economics, Human Capital, Quality of Life, Environment and Governance. 

The city’s strongest performance came in the Environment category, where Liverpool was ranked 79th globally, putting it inside the world’s top 100 for environmental performance.

Liverpool has also been identified within Oxford Economics’ “Sustainable Cities” group. The organisation describes cities in this category as places which have prioritised sustainable growth and are focused on adapting to and mitigating the effects of climate change. 

The designation places Liverpool in a group that includes major international cities recognised for their approach to sustainability and the transition towards cleaner energy.

Oxford Economics’ index draws on a wide range of indicators to assess the strengths, challenges and future potential of cities, with its 2026 edition designed to provide a forward-looking picture as well as a snapshot of current performance. 

Liverpool’s ranking comes as a number of major climate and sustainability programmes continue across the city.

In 2024, Liverpool became the world’s first UN Climate Change Accelerator City, with the programme using the city’s music, film, television and cultural sectors to test new approaches to reducing carbon emissions. An independent evaluation published in 2026 examined nine pilot projects covering areas including live events, TV production, transport and infrastructure. 

Other projects and programmes taking place across Liverpool include:

• City-wide heat networks – work to develop low-carbon heat infrastructure and reduce the reliance of buildings on traditional heating systems.
• Electric vehicle infrastructure – expansion of public charging facilities to support the move towards electric vehicles.
• Carbon reduction initiatives – Liverpool City Council says the city has already cut an estimated 840,000 tonnes of CO₂ from the atmosphere since 2005. 
• Knowledge Quarter growth – continued investment in research, health, life sciences, innovation and other knowledge-intensive industries.
• Brownfield regeneration – major developments across areas including Liverpool Waters and the North Docks are bringing previously developed land back into use.
• Lower-carbon roads – Liverpool has also been part of the Department for Transport-backed Live Labs programme, trialling new materials and approaches designed to reduce the carbon footprint of the local highways network. 

Oxford Economics says the Global Cities Index is intended to help businesses, governments and investors understand how cities compare internationally and where their strengths, weaknesses and future opportunities lie.

Councillor Liam Robinson, Leader of Liverpool City Council, said:

“Liverpool has always been a city that looks to the future while remaining proud of its heritage, so it is fantastic to see our progress recognised in a respected global study of the world’s leading cities.

“Being recognised as one of the world’s Sustainable Cities and ranked among the global top 100 for environment is a significant achievement and reflects the work taking place across Liverpool to create a greener, fairer and more prosperous city.

“From our international leadership on climate action and our pioneering work as a UN-recognised Accelerator City, to our growing strengths in innovation, culture, health and life sciences, Liverpool is increasingly being recognised as a city with global ambition.

“We know there is still more to do, particularly in driving economic growth, attracting investment and creating opportunities for local people, but this report demonstrates that Liverpool is moving in the right direction and strengthening its position on the world stage.”

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