KOTA KINABALU: Sabah’s state capital, Kota Kinabalu, has been ranked 140th out of 1,000 cities worldwide in terms of the environment.
According to the Oxford Economics Global Cities Index (OEGCI) 2024, this ranking is based on Kota Kinabalu’s air quality, carbon dioxide emissions intensity, natural disasters, temperature anomalies, and rainfall anomalies.
Oxford Economics City Services Director, Mark Britton, explained that the OEGCI 2024 is a comprehensive ranking of major cities worldwide based on various performance metrics.
"The index evaluates cities in five key categories: economy, human capital, quality of life, environment, and governance. Each city is given a normalised overall score derived from these categories," he said.
The index aimed to provide insights into the economic and social dynamics of urban centres, emphasising their roles as engines of national economic growth, hubs of education and innovation, and seats of political power.
Additionally, Kota Kinabalu is ranked 391st among the 1,000 major cities worldwide. The OEGCI 2024 includes detailed analysis and forecasts for over 8,000 cities and regions in 164 countries, utilising data from over 350 economists and analysts over a 20-year forecast period.
In its 113-page report, the OEGCI 2024 also ranked Kuala Lumpur (135th), Georgetown (351st), and Malacca (359th), among others.
The report described cities as the driving force behind the global economy.
For governance, which is calculated at the national level rather than the city level, Kota Kinabalu is ranked 334th.
"For the quality of life score, Kota Kinabalu is 386th. This is calculated based on internet speed, life expectancy, income per person, housing expenditure, recreation and cultural sites, and income equality," said Britton.
Kota Kinabalu also ranks 407th in human capital and 693rd in economic performance.
Meanwhile, Kota Kinabalu’s subsets were renowned for their stunning beauty and are often rated among the best in the world.
In 2020, Time Magazine ranked Kota Kinabalu as having the fourth-best sunset on the planet.
Sunset spots such as Tanjung Aru Beach and the Kota Kinabalu Waterfront are particularly popular among locals and tourists alike, offering unobstructed views and a tranquil atmosphere to enjoy the daily spectacle.
The combination of clear skies, tropical climate, and scenic surroundings makes Kota Kinabalu a top destination for sunset enthusiasts.
