Bristol is the most sustainable city in England, according to sustainable development group Forum for the Future. The group's sustainable communities index 2008 lists the top five greenest cities as Bristol, Brighton & Hove, Plymouth, Newcastle and Cardiff. The cities were judged on environmental performance, quality of life and future-proofing – how well they are addressing issues such as climate change, recycling and biodiversity. Margaret Eaton, chairman of the Local Government Association, said: ‘This index has driven real change by inspiring cities to adopt more ambitious sustainability strategies.' Stockholm, Portland in the US and Curitiba in Brazil are currently the world's most sustainable cities.