Erasmus+ pupils discuss Climate Change with the Deputy Mayor
What can a city do to mitigate climate change and prepare for its impacts? Members of the Erasmus+ project team Climate Change in Mountain Areas explored these questions during a discussion with Ing. Martin Majling, Deputy Mayor of Banská Bystrica on Tuesday, 13th October 2026.
The meeting followed a preparatory phase in which the pupils had written a letter to the city representatives, raising questions and sharing suggestions concerning transport, waste management and urban green spaces. This time, they had the opportunity to discuss their questions directly with a representative of the local government and learn more about both the possibilities and the challenges involved in addressing these issues.
The Deputy Mayor did his best to answer all the questions in the letter and explained the difference between mitigation measures, which help reduce the causes of climate change, and adaptation measures, which aim to reduce its negative impacts. The discussion then focused on specific issues that the pupils consider important for the future of their city.
A significant part of the conversation focused on transport. The pupils wanted to know how the city could encourage people to use private cars less and travel more often by public transport or bicycle. They discussed the purchase of new buses and trolleybuses, the upcoming public transport plan, on which residents will also be able to provide feedback, and the development of cycling routes. The Deputy Mayor explained the benefits of cycling while also highlighting practical obstacles, such as narrow streets where it is difficult to create a separate cycle lane. The discussion also touched on road safety and the responsible use of electric scooters.
Waste management was another important topic. The pupils asked how the city could motivate residents to sort and recycle waste more consistently. They discussed the possibility of charging households more fairly according to the amount of municipal waste they produce, the advantages and disadvantages of weighing waste, and the installation of semi-underground waste containers, which can help improve the organisation of waste collection points.
We also paid particular attention to the question of making Banská Bystrica a greener city. In densely built-up areas covered with concrete, it is important to find ways to reduce the overheating of streets and create a more pleasant environment for residents. Where local conditions do not allow trees to be planted directly in the ground, mobile greenery can provide an alternative. The city also uses such solutions in the centre, for example on Lazovná Street. The discussion showed that making a city greener involves not only large-scale projects but also practical measures adapted to the possibilities of individual locations.
The meeting was a valuable experience for the pupils. They were able to see how closely climate protection is connected to everyday life in the city and how implementing environmental measures requires solutions that take into account both residents’ needs and the local authority’s practical limitations. They also learned that active citizenship means not only drawing attention to problems but also taking an interest in finding solutions and putting forward their own suggestions.
Through the Erasmus+ project Climate Change in Mountain Areas, we are continuing our journey from learning about environmental issues and identifying problems to asking specific questions and exploring possible solutions. We believe that young people’s voices can also help make Banská Bystrica a healthier, greener and more sustainable city.
