Empowering the Urban Youth: Engaging the Next Generation in Sustainable City Solutions
We are an Urban Species!
Globally, more people live in urban than in rural areas. By 2018, 55% of the world’s population resided in urban areas, a significant increase from 30% in 1950. This trend is expected to grow, with projections indicating that 68% of the global population will live in urban areas by 2050. Urban areas are known to attract younger demographics, thanks to opportunities for employment, education, and cultural engagement. In some developing regions, youth can make up a third of the urban population, illustrating the role of cities as dynamic hubs for young people.
Cities worldwide are becoming younger. The majority of people under the age of 30 now live in urban areas, and according to UN-Habitat, by 2030, an estimated 60% of urban populations will be under 18 years old.
What About Europe?
In Europe, as of January 2021, young people aged 15–29 make up approximately 16.3% of the EU’s total population. Certain cities, such as Copenhagen (Denmark), Overig Groningen (Netherlands), and Heidelberg (Germany), have young populations exceeding 25%. Across the EU, there are 46 regions where young people represent at least 20% of the population. These areas, often urban and university towns, are primarily located in Belgium, Denmark, Germany, Greece, Spain, France, Cyprus, the Netherlands, and Sweden. This highlights the significant presence of youth in cities with educational and employment opportunities.
The importance of making cities inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable is reflected in Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 11. In line with this, this year’s World Cities Day is focused on youth, emphasising the role of young people in promoting sustainable solutions, reducing pollution, and protecting the environment.
At D4RUNOFF, we recognise the importance of engaging younger generations. We organise local visits for students to areas where nature-based solutions are implemented, and participate in exhibitions and researcher events to educate kids and youth on water pollution, runoff prevention, and sustainable water management.
Initiatives like Climate Fresks also play a crucial role. These workshops teach students about their carbon footprint, encourage critical thinking about environmental impacts, and inspire collective action.
To further connect with young people, D4RUNOFF is developing a Serious Game with a social component and a board game, aiming to educate citizens and particularly young generations on urban water runoff pollution and potential solutions.
Conclusion
As urbanisation continues, the concentration of young people in cities presents both opportunities and challenges for sustainability. Engaging youth in projects like D4RUNOFF and educational initiatives such as Climate Fresks allows us to empower the next generation to address urban environmental issues proactively. Through awareness and interactive learning, we can inspire young people to drive change and contribute to the development of sustainable urban spaces.