BATTLING CLIMATE CHANGE WITH GREEN SPACES

NICOLAI T. CALMA

The Resilient Cities Network and Temasek Foundation is planning to transform schoolyards all over the Philippines into green, open community spaces resilient to high heat index and flooding.

Called the OASIS Schoolyards program, the vision is to foster children's learning and play, and have a space to serve as a shield against the harsh realities of climate change that threaten Filipino communities.

Schools will be transformed into havens of resilience and sustainability, with students, parents, teachers, and design professionals joining hands. This collaborative spirit ensures the project resonates deeply with the community, fostering a sense of ownership.

What makes these spaces oases of resilience are lush greenery providing shade from scorching heat, while simultaneously absorbing rainwater to mitigate floods. There will be permeable pavements channeling excess water back into the earth, replenishing precious groundwater reserves. These are just a few examples of the innovative solutions OASIS will integrate, creating a microcosm of climate resilience within the urban landscape.

OASIS envisions these schoolyards as interactive learning tools. Students will witness firsthand the power of sustainable practices, fostering environmental awareness and empowering them to become agents of change. Local government officials, too, will gain valuable insights from these living laboratories, informing broader climate adaptation strategies.

OASIS isn't just about climate resilience; it's about community vibrancy. These transformed schoolyards will become hubs of activity, offering safe spaces for recreation, community gatherings, and even food production.

Children are envisioned to play under the shade of trees, families can enjoy picnics amidst greenery, and community gardens will provide fresh produce – all within the familiar embrace of their schoolyard.

Even amidst the challenges of climate change, communities can come together to build a more resilient and sustainable future. By nurturing green spaces, fostering collaboration, and empowering young minds, OASIS paves the way for a future where Filipino communities thrive, not just survive, in the face of climate change.

-oOoThe author is TEACHER II at SAN PABLO 2ND ELEMENTARY SCHOOL