Tuesday, Sept 24

Dear Reader,

When asked how she would design a school, 10-year-old Sophie Brady did not hesitate, Bluedot contributor Jana Studelska wrote in a recent Dispatch. “Kids don’t get to be outside. Being inside takes up all the time,” Sophie said, waving her arms. “We have to learn about trees, and lichen, and flowers, and seeds, and clouds. And not just going outside to a playground. Kids need forests and things to climb. So do adults, right?” 

It’s hard to argue with Sophie’s wisdom. And our writer found plenty of adults who agree — and who are working to help kids access more nature. 

Deprioritizing cars is one way, and those cities that have taken that step are learning that in addition to using cars less, people tend to choose healthier ways of getting around. The BBC reports that “Schoolchildren living in London's ultra-low emission zone (Ulez) were nearly four times as likely to switch to walking and cycling after its introduction compared with those outside the zone.” (Bluedot wrote about how London is one of the leaders in low-emission zones.) Hardly surprising; biking and walking are a lot more appealing when the risk of getting mowed down is reduced. What’s more, less reliance on cars leads not only to cleaner air, but also (because more physical activity is good for our bodies) to reduced healthcare costs.

And, as Sophie Brady made clear, it’s a kid’s job to learn about the outside world … so let’s do what we can to help young people spend more time in it.

Outdoorsily,

Dot