Educational City and Ecological Transition

The city of Strasbourg will lead this network and aims to bring on board European cities that aspire to tackle one or more of the following challenges.

Europe has set a goal of achieving carbon neutrality by 2050. Today’s children will be tomorrow’s young adults. What can European cities do to educate children about the challenges of the ecological transition? The city of Strasbourg proposes to create a network of European cities that are already acting in this area and wish to implement innovative initiatives in their communities on one of these five themes:
- Children’s autonomy in getting around
- A healthy city where children have a place and participate in decision-making
- Sustainable food
- Growing up and learning in nature
- Climate change education

These themes will be addressed through two lenses: physical and mental health, as well as gender equality. Schools, as anchors in the neighborhood, are agents of change in family practices and behaviors.

The city of Strasbourg will lead this network and aims to bring on board European cities that aspire to tackle one or more of the following challenges.

Challenge 1: Children’s independence in getting around

The age at which children become independent in getting around continues to rise. According to a 2025 ADEME study, in France, this age has risen from 10.6 years old 25 years ago to 11.6 years old today. Only 9% of fifth graders walk to school on their own. The ADEME study highlights that girls are underrepresented among those who travel independently by bicycle.
The consequences are numerous: physical health (increased risk of diabetes, obesity, and cardiovascular problems), mental health (lower self-confidence), inequalities, and the reinforcement of stereotypes (public spaces that are less “safe” or “accessible” for girls).
Cities can act by implementing public policies that promote independent travel for children: safe pedestrian routes, appropriate signage, school zones, training parents to support children’s independence, etc.

Challenge 2: A healthy city where children have a place and participate in decision-making

Children are the best indicators of a city’s quality. If a city is child-friendly, it is also friendly to older adults, people with disabilities, and all citizens. Reclaiming urban space, reviving various forms of play, and allowing children to move around the city independently are essential not only for children’s healthy development but also for the city’s better development.
City children are the true agents of change. Children are called upon to participate and express their opinions on decisions that affect them (Convention on the Rights of the Child, Article 12).

Challenge 3: Sustainable Food

Food has a major impact on the environment. Agriculture accounts for 26% of global greenhouse gas emissions, with livestock farming alone responsible for 14.5%. Food production also uses 70% of freshwater resources. Eating habits are formed as early as childhood. Actions can be taken to limit environmental impacts: shifting toward plant-based diets, prioritizing local and seasonal foods, reducing waste, and promoting organic farming. Schools are ideal settings for introducing children to new flavors, running educational gardens, and hosting cooking workshops.

Challenge 4: Growing Up and Learning in Nature

The benefits of the outdoors for children are numerous, whether physical, mental, social, or even cognitive. Cities have a role to play in ensuring regular, high-quality access to nature, regardless of the child’s daily routine (school, after-school, extracurricular activities, weekends, vacations, etc.).

Challenge 5: Climate Change Education

Climate skepticism is more prevalent among young people than in the rest of the population. Combating misinformation about global warming among children is an issue that cities can address. In particular, they can take action in the areas of education and awareness-raising: citizen science, responsible use of artificial intelligence, etc.