In a groundbreaking initiative to combat the escalating climate crisis, Swiss cities are tearing up asphalt and concrete to reclaim green spaces, a move driven by the urgent need for environmental sustainability. Heavy rains and flooding have become alarmingly common across Europe, exacerbated by extensive urban paving that prevents water absorption and contributes to biodiversity loss.

In Zurich, former journalist Patina Valk and biologist Isabella Sadi have taken to the streets armed with jackhammers, leading a movement dubbed the “asphalt crackers.” Their mission? To break open sealed surfaces and transform them into lush, green areas that can absorb rainwater and combat urban heat. “Without soil, we are nothing,” Valk asserts, highlighting that one-third of the world’s soil is degraded, rendering it incapable of supporting life.

The duo’s efforts are not just local; they aim to inspire a nationwide transformation. In Switzerland alone, parking lots equivalent to 900 soccer fields could be repurposed into vibrant green spaces. The pilot project “Schwamstat” in Zurich exemplifies this vision, converting asphalted areas into sponge-like environments that mitigate flooding and enhance community livability.

Recent flooding events in towns like Zoing underscore the urgency of this initiative. As torrential rains inundate streets and basements, local councils are racing to replace sealed surfaces with vegetation to alleviate pressure on sewage systems. “We’ve sealed over too much land,” officials lament, emphasizing the critical need for natural water absorption.

The asphalt crackers are not stopping; they are determined to inspire further action across Switzerland. With every project, they are not just reclaiming land—they are reclaiming the future. As urban areas become increasingly inhospitable, the call for greener, more sustainable cities has never been more urgent. The time to act is now.