Urban Natures: Living the More-than-Human City

Urban Natures explores the possibilities of an ethical, lively, multi-species city, drawing from multidisciplinary case studies and covering a wide range of sectors, cities, and urban spaces. It pushes our imagination of a green urban future.

Format: Hardback
Length: 356 pages
Publication date: 15 September 2023
Publisher: Berghahn Books

Efforts to create greener urban spaces have taken various forms in the past, often lacking organization and discipline. However, in recent years, there has been a significant shift towards creating greener cities. Urban Natures, a comprehensive volume, explores the potential of an ethical, vibrant, and multi-species city, recognizing that humanity's relationship with nature is politically constructed. Drawing from multidisciplinary case studies, the book covers a wide range of sectors, cities, and urban spaces, as well as topics such as edible cities, power issues, and more-than-human methodologies. It pushes the boundaries of our imagination by envisioning a green urban future that is both sustainable and inclusive.

The push towards greener cities has gained momentum in recent years, driven by a growing awareness of the environmental and social benefits of sustainable urban development. This movement has been fueled by a range of factors, including concerns about climate change, air pollution, and the need for more livable and resilient cities.

One of the key challenges facing urban planners and policymakers is the need to balance the demands of urban growth with the need to protect and preserve natural resources. This requires a shift towards more sustainable and resilient urban planning practices, such as the use of renewable energy sources, the promotion of public transportation, and the development of green infrastructure such as parks and green roofs.

Another important aspect of creating greener cities is the need to promote biodiversity and ecological resilience. This can be achieved through the creation of green spaces, the restoration of natural habitats, and the implementation of sustainable land use practices. By promoting biodiversity, cities can help to mitigate the impacts of climate change, improve air quality, and provide a range of ecosystem services that benefit both humans and wildlife.

In addition to these technical challenges, creating greener cities also requires a shift in mindset and culture. This involves promoting a more sustainable and circular economy, reducing waste and pollution, and encouraging community engagement and participation in urban planning processes.

One example of a city that has made significant progress in creating greener spaces is Stockholm, Sweden. Stockholm has implemented a range of sustainable urban planning practices, including the development of a green infrastructure network, the promotion of public transportation, and the implementation of sustainable land use practices. The city has also been successful in promoting biodiversity and ecological resilience, through the creation of green spaces and the restoration of natural habitats.

Other cities around the world are also taking steps towards creating greener spaces. For example, New York City has launched a number of initiatives to reduce carbon emissions, including the implementation of a carbon pricing scheme and the development of a green infrastructure plan. Paris, France has also made significant progress in creating greener spaces, through the development of a network of bike lanes and the promotion of sustainable transportation options.

Despite these successes, there are still many challenges to be overcome in creating greener cities. One of the biggest challenges is the need to ensure that these initiatives are implemented on a large scale and that they are accessible to all residents, regardless of their income or social status. This requires a commitment to social equity and inclusion in urban planning processes.

Another challenge is the need to address the political and economic barriers that can hinder the development of greener cities. This includes the need to secure funding for sustainable infrastructure projects, the need to address land use and zoning policies that promote sprawl and car-dependent development, and the need to address the power dynamics that can limit the participation of marginalized communities in urban planning processes.

Despite these challenges, there is a growing sense of optimism and momentum towards creating greener cities. Many cities around the world are committed to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050 or earlier, and there is a growing recognition of the importance of sustainable urban development in achieving global sustainability goals.

In conclusion, efforts to create greener urban spaces have taken various forms in the past, but in recent years, there has been a significant shift towards creating more cohesive and sustainable cities. Urban Natures provides a comprehensive exploration of the potential of an ethical, vibrant, and multi-species city, recognizing that humanity's relationship with nature is politically constructed. By drawing from multidisciplinary case studies and promoting a range of sustainable and resilient urban planning practices, cities can help to mitigate the impacts of climate change, improve air quality, and provide a range of ecosystem services that benefit both humans and wildlife. However, there are still many challenges to be overcome in creating greener cities, and it will require a commitment to social equity, inclusion, and sustainable infrastructure development to achieve our vision of a green urban future.

Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781805390824