According to the Washington-based Earth Day Network's recently released Urban Environment Report, Detroit needs more parks to help lower pollution levels and improve residents' quality of life. The city ranked last in a study of 72 cities based on 200 environmental, health and quality-of-life indicators, including toxics and waste, air quality, drinking and surface water, human and public health, and global warming/climate change. The purpose of the study is to encourage participation in environmental conservation activities. Fargo, N.D., topped the Earth Day list, scoring highest for maintaining its air quality.
| Top five cities for environmental preservation: | Bottom five cities: |
|---|---|
| 1. Fargo, N.D. 2. Burlington, Vt. 3. Portland, Ore. 4. Colorado Springs, Colo. 5. Sioux Falls, S.D. | |
| 1. Detroit 2. Miami 3. Cleveland 4. El Paso, Texas 5. Houston | |
| Source: Earth Day Network, December 2006, www.earthday.net/UER/report. | |



