Climate risks are increasingly disrupting children’s health, learning and overall wellbeing. Rising temperatures limit safe play and concentration, and flooding interrupts school days and strains already vulnerable communities. Young people are among the most affected and face impacts that can shape their development for years. Cities are searching for solutions that protect children while strengthening the communities around them.
Schoolyards offer a powerful but often overlooked entry point. When redesigned with purpose, they can cool overheated areas, offer comfortable spaces for play and learning, and strengthen social interaction and community awareness. This potential is unlocked when local officers, students, teachers, parents, and local community jointly shape the design from the start.
In our final Cities on the Frontline session of 2025, we heard from representatives from Quezon City, Philippines, and Semarang, Indonesia, on how they are implementing the OASIS Schoolyard approach. This model combines climate adaptation with education, health and inclusion and shows how co-design can turn schoolyards into climate-ready and multifunctional spaces that support wellbeing and resilience.
Check out the recording to explore what it takes to equip school networks with the tools and confidence to drive lasting and citywide change.
