OPINION PIECE: “The future of urban ecology is not dark but bright. By embracing urban ecology in the form of green infrastructure and biophilic design, we allow ourselves to work with nature, not against it,” wrote John Lieber (The Relevator, December 2018)
The Parkroyal on Pickering, a heavily gardened hotel in Singapore. Photo: Erwin Soo (CC BY 2.0)
Urban Ecology: A Bright Future for Sustainable Cities
“As much as we love and need nature, the human population is growing and moving to cities,” wrote John Lieber in an Op-Ed published by The Revelator, an online news and ideas initiative of the Center for Biological Diversity. It provides editorially independent reporting, analysis and stories at the intersection of politics, conservation, art, culture, endangered species, climate change, economics and the future of wild species, wild places and the planet.
“This rapid rate of urbanization, combined with the overall growth of the world’s population, will challenge our social systems, the way we manage natural resources, and the way we organize and build our cities. The question is, will the impact be negative or positive? The general perception is negative, but as someone who specializes in urban ecology I’m optimistic. Here’s why.”
Ecology and the Built Environment
“Green roofs, urban forestry, green buildings, stormwater ponds, bioswales, living walls, parks, meadows and beaches will never replace the structure, quality and complexity of the ecosystems that existed before urbanization. But research has demonstrated the ability for cities to support significant levels of biodiversity,” continued John Lieber.
Future Cities
“So will we allow cities to turn into concrete dystopias? Or will we create the green paradises that we deserve? By embracing urban ecology in the form of green infrastructure and biophilic design, we allow ourselves to work with nature, not against it,” concluded John Lieber.
To Learn More:
To read the complete article by John Lieber, download a PDF copy of Urban Ecology: A Bright Future for Sustainable Cities
John Lieber is currently working on the City of Toronto’s Parkland Strategy, a 20-year plan to guide and enhance Toronto’s Parkland.