The Newer Greener Bruges -- of the 22nd Century

THIS PROJECT PREDICTS AND PLANS FOR THE FUTURES OF THOUSANDS OF CITIES AND TOWNS WORLDWIDE. THIS WEEK, WE HIGHLIGHT THE FUTURE OF THE BELGIAN CITY OF BRUGES AS IT MOVES TOWARD "GREEN UTOPIANISM" BY THE EARLY 21st CENTURY.

Belgium's cities are famed for their historic canals and riverways, especially in places like Bruges, Ghent, and Brussels, where these waterways once served as vital trade routes and cultural landmarks. However, in recent decades, Belgian waterways have become some of the most polluted in Europe. Decades of industrialization, unregulated waste disposal, and agricultural runoff have resulted in waterways that are contaminated with heavy metals, nitrates, microplastics, and organic pollutants. This pollution not only damages local ecosystems and endangers human health but also undermines Belgium’s tourism industry, which relies on the appeal of clean and scenic waterways.

To address this environmental crisis, a transformative approach is needed—one that envisions a future where Belgian cities are zero-waste, socially equitable, and environmentally sustainable by the end of the century. Such a shift would require fundamental changes across society, with cities taking the lead in environmental stewardship and social justice. This essay explores how, by becoming zero-waste and socially equitable, and by limiting corporate power, Belgian cities could restore their waterways, reduce pollution, and play a larger role in global justice.

Vision for a Zero-Waste, Socially Equitable Belgium

By 2100, Belgian cities could become models of zero-waste and circular economies. Achieving this would require stringent regulations on waste production, with cities actively promoting recycling, reusing materials, and reducing single-use plastics and packaging, and abandoning private vehicles for pedestrianism and public transit. New technologies, such as advanced waste-to-energy processes, closed-loop recycling facilities, and urban composting programs, would transform waste management, aiming to minimize the ecological footprint of urban populations. Beyond reducing pollution in rivers and canals, these efforts would help cities create new jobs, build sustainable industries, and reduce reliance on resource extraction.

Bruges in the early 21st Century -- by the Urban Futures team

Social equity is another key component of this vision. Belgian cities could adopt policies that ensure all residents have access to clean water, green spaces, and affordable housing. This might involve progressive taxation, investments in public services, and policies designed to make cities more livable for all people, regardless of income. As power devolves from the central government to municipalities, cities like Bruges and Ghent would gain the ability to design policies tailored to the needs of their communities, thus allowing a greater emphasis on environmental justice. Empowered by local control, Belgian cities would address the root causes of pollution and inequality by ensuring that businesses adhere to strict environmental standards and contribute positively to society.

Restricting Corporate Power and Supporting Sustainable Business Practices

For Belgian cities to become genuinely sustainable, the government would need to limit corporate power, particularly in sectors with a high environmental impact. Restricting the influence of corporations that prioritize profits over sustainability would be essential to create space for socially responsible businesses. Policies could mandate that companies reduce their waste output, treat wastewater, and take responsibility for their environmental impacts. In this future, businesses that operate in Belgian cities would be expected to contribute to the welfare of local communities by investing in environmental cleanup efforts, supporting zero-waste initiatives, and ensuring fair wages and working conditions for employees.

Local governments could also incentivize green businesses by offering subsidies and tax benefits to those committed to sustainable practices, thereby creating an economic environment that prioritizes long-term ecological health over short-term profit. For example, companies specializing in clean energy, sustainable agriculture, and green construction would be actively encouraged, transforming Belgian cities into hubs of green innovation. These efforts would go a long way toward cleaning up the waterways, as industrial pollution, one of the primary sources of contamination, would be significantly reduced.

Reparations for Former Colonies: Bruges Leads the Way

In this vision, Bruges and other Belgian cities would not only clean up their own backyards but would also look beyond their borders to address the legacy of Belgium’s colonial past. As a city rich in history and cultural wealth, Bruges could set a powerful precedent by establishing a reparations fund to compensate former colonies for the resources, labor, and wealth extracted during the colonial era. This fund would acknowledge the historic injustices committed in countries such as the Democratic Republic of Congo, where Belgian rule resulted in the exploitation of people and natural resources on a massive scale.

Such a fund could be directed toward environmental restoration projects, education, healthcare, and infrastructure development in affected countries. By setting aside a portion of city revenue or imposing a “solidarity tax” on large corporations that have historically profited from colonial extraction, Bruges would send a message of accountability and solidarity. This initiative could inspire other Belgian cities to follow suit, creating a ripple effect across Europe. Reparations would not erase the past but would represent a significant step toward healing and justice, as Belgian cities seek to become not only environmentally sustainable but also ethically responsible global citizens.

Conclusion

By the end of the century, Belgian cities could undergo a profound transformation, evolving into zero-waste, socially equitable, and ecologically restored communities that serve as global models for sustainability. Empowered with greater autonomy, cities like Bruges and Ghent would lead the charge in restricting corporate power, investing in sustainable practices, and holding businesses accountable for their environmental and social impact. Furthermore, by establishing reparations funds for former colonies, Belgian cities would acknowledge and begin to address the enduring impacts of colonialism. Through these efforts, the polluted canals and rivers of Belgium could be revitalized, restoring their ecological health and providing clean, beautiful waterways for generations to come.