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Description
Climate change has a significant impact on urban citizens. Backyards are the largest areal potential in inner cities. Approximately one third of the population lives in houses with backyards. Applying adaptation measures in backyards is basically a simple solution - water, greenery, infiltration of water and plants. Courtyards can greatly benefit the city''s climate. Today''s society is fragmented and atomized, citizens divided into opinion groups. Neighboring communities around the courtyards are a school of practical democracy and bring a positive personal experience of working across groups.
According to the selected criteria, we will choose 12 backyards with the potential for change. In 10 backyards, we will propose specific measures to mitigate the effects of climate change. We will involve residents and important players (leaders, home management, co-owners) in the debate about the future of their backyard. The goal is to successfully implement the process: needs mapping, determining and implementing the negotiation process, incorporating changes and reaching an agreement. We will connect the government of municipalities with backyards that are undergoing change in their territory. We activate and equip representatives of municipalities with tools for solving backyards in connection with climate change, social trends and new demands on the quality of life associated with the backyards environment. We will bring information, awareness and inspiration to city administrations; we will bring examples of good practice from abroad.
Summary of project results
Climate change in European cities has serious consequences for residents. Cities are often unprepared for extreme weather, which can negatively affect living conditions and the economy. Society is fragmented, and dialogue among citizens with different views is difficult. Air pollution with excessive PM particles endangers the health of city dwellers.
City centers, primarily composed of buildings, are vulnerable to climate change. Automobile traffic creates significant pressure, and reducing its impact is challenging. Climate fluctuations increase uncertainty and stress among residents, undermining trust in democracy.
The solution lies in utilizing inner-city courtyards. Green initiatives and rainwater management can help. Neighborhood groups organized around inner-city courtyards can bring democracy and social cohesion, strengthen relationships, and improve living quality.
Inner courtyards are the largest open spaces within city centers. Approximately one-third of residents in historic areas live in buildings with inner courtyards. Some inner courtyards are divided into plots, while others are transformed into unified parks. Each of them holds an opportunity for better utilization.
Implementing adaptation measures within inner courtyards is fundamentally a straightforward solution, yet it is rarely done. This includes activities such as adding and maintaining greenery – trees, shrubs, perennial beds, edible gardens, lawns, container gardening, or using walls and facades for climbing plants. In the field of rainwater management, it also involves simple and cost-effective measures like diverting runoff from gutters into barrels or underground tanks, infiltration, putting wells into operation, or replacing solid surfaces with permeable ones.
Neighborhood groups organized around the use of inner courtyards bring a practical school of democracy and a social experience bridging across social and opinion groups. The personal nature of utilizing inner courtyards and the long-term presence of residents are a great response to the anonymity and isolation of urban life. Inner courtyards offer a flexible space catering to various interest groups, from parents with children to youth and seniors. At the neighborhood level, they can strengthen relationships, fill everyday life, enhance living conditions, and increase the overall well-being. Additionally, the more expensive housing becomes, the more desirable quality outdoor spaces become.
We had the opportunity to transform and showcase 5 inner courtyards where greenery and rainwater were well-managed to the public. Another 5 courtyards are targeted for change, where proposals have been prepared in the scope of a study or already project documentation. We supported neighborhood and community life and encouraged 472 residents'' interest in the restoration and utilization of several inner courtyards. Other people can be inspired by these transformations and carry the inspiration into their own environments. Examples of places and people''s stories serve as motivation and instill courage. If inner courtyards and minor interventions in public spaces can thrive in cities like Berlin or Copenhagen, there is no reason why they shouldn''t happen in Prague, which is full of inner courtyards and urban nooks. The number of people willing to contribute to a better urban life is increasing, as experienced by Bieno.
Another impact is that people are becoming more aware of the connection between climate and urban environments, as well as the potential for cities to address climate change. We engaged more than 13 000 visitors of public events and lectures. Prague and other cities in the Czech Republic are still far from implementing climate change adaptation tools, but public awareness of the term "heat island" and its adverse effects is undoubtedly growing.
We continue to develop and improve our methods for facilitating discussions among property owners and in property management. Our experiences and the training we undergo have enabled us to better lead projects and discussions themselves. In some cases, this even involved mediation work, which yielded positive results (agreements).
Our topic is better received by local politicians. This could be crucial for future work.