In numerous cities around the world, children and young people are increasingly frustrated with the inaction of governments relating to the climate change emergency. Led by young activists such as Greta Thunberg, children are demanding their right to a future planet where humans can survive. In Belgium there is a growing number of schools taking part in protests for reduced air pollution and carbon emissions. The headline "Help! Ik Stik" i.e. "Help! I’m chocking" shockingly highlights the growing recognition of the impact that air pollution has on both our environment and on human health.

 

Increasing activism from children and young people was one of the topics discussed at the ‘Child in the City’ conference held in Belgium last month, the theme of which was children in a sustainable city. Antwerp in Belgium was the perfect place to host this conference, as the city is taking numerous steps to ensure sustainable development of neighbourhoods by investing in increased urban greenery, access to natural playspace, children's active transport and a transition away from car-reliant lifestyles. Below are 3 initiatives from the city of Antwerp which are focused on creating a more child-friendly city, while simultaneously aiming to ensure urban sustainability. 

​

1. Living Streets

​

Walking through the residential streets of Antwerp, it is hard not to notice the amount of greenery which fills the streets. This is no accident, but an initiative from the city council encouraging residents to create more lively and nature-filled streets. Streets which coordinate between 8 or more residents are eligible for funding from the council for soil and plants for their street, as well as advice from an expert who can suggest appropriate species for the local area. Residents are also free to remove pavers from the sidewalk adjacent to their walls (provided the sidewalk width is sufficient) to create a 'facade garden'.

​

Apart from these initiatives which seek to increase greenery in cities, the council also encourages neighbourhoods to shut down their streets to traffic during the summer months and provides them with a budget for seating, play structures and other equipment necessary to create a ‘living street’. This is all part of a strategy to return the street back to people, encouraging social interaction between adults and providing car-free space for children's play. Wim Seghers one of the leaders of the initiative from the City of Antwerp noted that his street is shut down every year for a camping event where all residents (particularly the ones with children) camp out together for the night in the street. The intent is to make initiatives such as this easy to achieve by local residents and supported by the council both through funding and expert advice. If we are serious about encouraging less car-reliant lifestyles, then returning the streets back to people is a fundamental step in highlighting the benefits to both the environment and our social lives. 

​