ArreniteCities and sustainability
Read together
More than half of the world's people now live in cities, and the share is growing. Cities concentrate jobs, schools and services, and they face big challenges: housing, transport, waste, flooding, pollution and inequality. Metro Manila, Mexico City and Lagos are among the world's large urban areas.
A sustainable city meets people's needs without harming the future. Ideas include public transport, walkable neighbourhoods, green spaces, recycling, clean energy and affordable housing. Jane Jacobs, an urban thinker, argued in 1961 that lively, mixed streets with people on them make cities safer and better.
Cities are also where many churches, schools and neighbours work together on local needs. Jeremiah 29:7 tells exiles to seek the welfare of the city where they live.
Do it
- Choose a city and research its main challenges and solutions. Look at maps, photos and statistics from its city government or an international body such as UN-Habitat.
- Walk or travel a short route in your own neighbourhood and take notes: where is it safe to walk, where are the green spaces, where is it hard for someone in a wheelchair?
- Design a better street or park in a drawing, with trees, shade, bike lanes, seating and flood protection.
- Write a short message to a local official or community group with one improvement you suggest. Send it with a grown-up's help.
Talk about it
- What makes a street feel safe?
- How could your neighbourhood be more welcoming?
For the grown-up
Young people can be real participants in their communities. This lesson encourages observation, design thinking and civic action. Choose safe routes and go with an adult.
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Where this comes from
- United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat), World Cities Report
- United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs, World Urbanization Prospects
- Jane Jacobs, The Death and Life of Great American Cities (Random House, 1961)
- Book of Jeremiah 29:4 to 7
Written with AI assistance and checked against the sources listed. Please read it before sharing it with a child.