Andrea García Portolés

Contaminated and degraded soil in large urban areas is a continuing and growing problem. Below bricks, concrete, asphalt, and all kinds of human constructions, soil has been covered and forgotten. As a consequence, urban human inhabitants have lost basic knowledge and connection with the environment, contributing to the negative impacts of our climate crisis.

Water resilience is key for cities like Stockholm, where negative consequences such as cloudbursts are already beginning to emerge. A well-structured soil with good biological diversity will provide a solution for better water absorption and retention, also known as a soil carbon sponge.

Based on ecofeminist values of care, empathy and responsibility towards others and the environment, my degree project works as a pedagogical tool for citizens to reconnect with soil and recognise its importance. Using the doctor-patient game as a parallel, I aim to share knowledge about soil remediation techniques that can be used to engage citizens in a collaborative and fun way.