Every year, the United Nations’ World Habitat Day is celebrated on the first Monday of October - a reminder of how vital our environment is to the wellbeing of all living things and the growth of our communities. This year’s theme, ‘Engaging Youth to Create a Better Urban Future,’ specifically highlighted the critical role young people play today in shaping the sustainable cities and communities of tomorrow.
As urbanisation continues to accelerate, it’s important to recognise both the challenges and opportunities it brings. Today, 4.4 billion people live in cities and by 2030, 60% of urban residents will be under the age of 18. Young people are a powerful force in safeguarding the natural environment as our cities grow, including one of our most precious resources—water.
At BRITA, our love for water is no secret. Indeed, water is the life source of everything, and we are proud to be part of the collective effort to protect it for future generations. That’s why we partner with WWT, the charity for wetlands and wildlife, that has been maintaining thousands of hectares of wetland habitat and protecting endangered species since the 1940s.
Dr. Olly van Biervliet, WWT’s Wetland Landscapes and Processes Manager says: ‘Urbanisation increases pressures on wetland wildlife and drives down biodiversity. Animals that can’t tolerate pressures such as regular disturbance and poor water quality are particularly vulnerable’.
Dr. Olly goes on to explain that wetlands—such as rivers, lakes, bogs, estuaries, and ponds—are shaped by the land that feeds them with water, known as catchments. But with urbanisation, we face new challenges. Impermeable surfaces in cities, often carrying toxic substances, cause rainwater to drain rapidly and pollute these precious habitats, harming wildlife.
When wetlands disappear, we don’t just eliminate the habitats of thousands of species of beautiful animals and plants - we also lose a natural way to protect our communities from the threat of climate change and flooding. But there’s hope.
Innovative urban design and thoughtful management can make a big difference, helping to protect wildlife and making urban wetlands healthier and more enjoyable for everyone.
BRITA and WWT are on a mission to restore healthy wetland habitat. But we can’t do it alone. Young people are critical in helping raise awareness and inspiring change. But, where to start?
At home, it can be as simple as reducing water use. Turn the water off when you brush your teeth. Fix that leaky sink. Keep your tap water refrigerated in a BRITA filter jug, so you don’t need to leave your tap to run forever to get cold. You could even create your own mini-wetland to provide a home for a whole range of creatures – this could be as simple as a mini-pond on your balcony!
There are also ways to get involved locally. Many young people already make an incredible difference by volunteering at WWT’s ten sites across the country, helping to restore wetlands, monitoring water quality and its effect on wildlife, and educating others on the importance of wetland habitats. There’s never been a more important time to help out.
If the theme of this World Habitat Day reminds us of anything, it’s how important young voices are in driving change. Whether it’s at school, your local environmental organisations, or at a policy level, we encourage you to get your voice heard. Advocacy groups such as the UK Youth Climate Coalition and Fridays for Future are great places to get started.
Urban growth doesn’t need to come at the cost of nature, and with your help, we can ensure wetlands thrive for generations to come.
