🏙️Sustainable Urban Planning Unit 5 – Urban Ecology and Biodiversity

Key Concepts and Definitions

• Urban ecology studies the interactions between organisms and their urban environment focuses on how these interactions shape the urban ecosystem
• Biodiversity refers to the variety of life forms within a given ecosystem includes genetic diversity, species diversity, and ecosystem diversity
• Green infrastructure incorporates natural elements into the built environment (green roofs, urban parks, rain gardens) to provide ecological benefits and improve quality of life
• Ecosystem services benefits provided by ecosystems to humans (air and water purification, carbon sequestration, recreation)
  • Regulating services maintain environmental quality (climate regulation, flood control)
  • Provisioning services provide resources (food, water, timber)
  • Cultural services offer non-material benefits (aesthetic, spiritual, educational)
• Urban heat island effect occurs when urban areas experience higher temperatures than surrounding rural areas due to human activities and infrastructure
• Ecological resilience ability of an ecosystem to withstand and recover from disturbances maintains its structure and function

Urban Ecosystems: Structure and Function

• Urban ecosystems are composed of both biotic (living) and abiotic (non-living) components interact to form a complex network of relationships
• Abiotic factors in urban ecosystems include the built environment (buildings, roads, infrastructure), microclimate, and soil conditions
• Biotic components of urban ecosystems consist of flora and fauna adapted to the urban environment (pigeons, raccoons, dandelions)
• Urban ecosystems exhibit a mosaic pattern of habitats with varying degrees of human influence (parks, gardens, abandoned lots)
  • Fragmentation of habitats can lead to reduced biodiversity and altered ecological processes
• Urban ecosystems are characterized by high levels of disturbance and environmental stress (pollution, habitat loss, invasive species)
• Ecological succession in urban areas often differs from natural succession due to human intervention and management practices
• Urban ecosystems provide essential ecosystem services (air filtration, stormwater management, temperature regulation) that benefit human well-being

Biodiversity in Urban Areas

• Urban biodiversity encompasses the variety of life forms found within cities and towns includes both native and non-native species
• Cities can support a surprising level of biodiversity due to the heterogeneity of habitats and resources available
• Urban green spaces (parks, gardens, green roofs) serve as important refuges for biodiversity in cities provide connectivity between habitats
• Remnant natural habitats within cities (wetlands, forests, grasslands) often harbor unique and threatened species
• Non-native and invasive species are common in urban areas can have both positive and negative impacts on biodiversity
  • Some non-native species provide resources for wildlife (ornamental plants) while others outcompete native species
• Urban biodiversity contributes to ecosystem services (pollination, pest control, cultural value) and enhances human well-being
• Maintaining urban biodiversity requires a balance between conservation, restoration, and sustainable management practices

Human Impact on Urban Ecology

• Urbanization has significant impacts on the structure and function of urban ecosystems alters biodiversity patterns
• Habitat loss and fragmentation are major threats to urban biodiversity result from land-use change and development
• Pollution (air, water, soil) from human activities can have detrimental effects on urban ecosystems and biodiversity
  • Pollutants can bioaccumulate in food chains and cause long-term ecological damage
• Introduction of invasive species through human activities (landscaping, pet trade) can disrupt native ecosystems and reduce biodiversity
• Urban infrastructure (roads, buildings, lighting) can create barriers to wildlife movement and alter behavior patterns
• Human disturbance (noise, traffic, recreation) can stress urban wildlife and affect their survival and reproduction
• Positive human impacts on urban ecology include conservation efforts, restoration projects, and sustainable land management practices

Green Infrastructure and Urban Design

• Green infrastructure incorporates natural elements and processes into the built environment to provide ecological, social, and economic benefits
• Urban green spaces (parks, gardens, green roofs) provide habitat for biodiversity, mitigate urban heat island effect, and improve air and water quality
• Green corridors and ecological networks connect urban habitats and facilitate wildlife movement
• Sustainable urban design principles (compact development, mixed land use, walkability) can reduce environmental impacts and support biodiversity
• Nature-based solutions (bioswales, rain gardens, permeable pavements) manage stormwater, reduce flooding, and improve water quality
• Biophilic design incorporates natural elements (vegetation, water, natural light) into the built environment to enhance human well-being and connection to nature
• Green building practices (energy efficiency, sustainable materials, green roofs) minimize environmental impacts and support urban ecology

Conservation Strategies for Urban Biodiversity

• Urban biodiversity conservation requires a multi-scale approach that addresses both local and regional contexts
• Protecting and restoring remnant natural habitats within cities is crucial for maintaining urban biodiversity
• Creating and enhancing urban green spaces (parks, gardens, green roofs) provides habitat for biodiversity and improves ecological connectivity
• Promoting native plant species in landscaping and restoration projects supports local biodiversity and ecosystem function
• Controlling and managing invasive species through monitoring, removal, and public education helps protect native biodiversity
• Engaging local communities and stakeholders in conservation efforts (citizen science, stewardship programs) fosters a sense of ownership and responsibility
• Integrating biodiversity conservation into urban planning and decision-making processes ensures long-term sustainability
• Monitoring and assessing urban biodiversity regularly informs conservation strategies and measures progress towards goals

Case Studies: Successful Urban Ecology Projects

• High Line, New York City transformed an abandoned elevated railway into a linear park that provides habitat for biodiversity and connects urban green spaces
• Cheonggyecheon Stream Restoration, Seoul removed a highway to restore a stream ecosystem improved biodiversity, water quality, and urban livability
• Green Roofs, Chicago has installed over 500 green roofs that provide habitat for biodiversity, reduce urban heat island effect, and manage stormwater
• Urban Wildlife Corridors, Singapore has created a network of green corridors that connect urban habitats and facilitate wildlife movement
  • Eco-Link@BKE is an ecological bridge that allows wildlife to safely cross a major highway
• Community Gardens, Detroit has transformed vacant lots into community gardens that provide habitat for biodiversity, produce fresh food, and foster community engagement
• Bishan-Ang Mo Kio Park, Singapore converted a concrete drainage channel into a naturalized river park that supports biodiversity and provides recreational opportunities
• Pollinator Gardens, many cities have created pollinator gardens that support bees, butterflies, and other pollinators critical for ecosystem function

Future Challenges and Opportunities

• Climate change poses significant challenges for urban ecology as it alters temperature, precipitation, and extreme weather events
  • Adapting urban ecosystems to be more resilient to climate change is a critical priority
• Balancing urban development with biodiversity conservation will require innovative land-use planning and design strategies
• Integrating green infrastructure and nature-based solutions into urban development can provide multiple benefits for biodiversity, human well-being, and climate resilience
• Engaging diverse communities in urban ecology and conservation efforts is essential for long-term success and social equity
• Developing and implementing policies that support urban biodiversity conservation (green building standards, land-use regulations) can drive systemic change
• Advancing research and monitoring of urban ecosystems and biodiversity can inform evidence-based decision-making and adaptive management
• Promoting environmental education and stewardship can foster a culture of conservation and sustainability in cities
• Collaborating across disciplines (ecology, urban planning, social sciences) and sectors (government, academia, industry) can lead to innovative solutions for urban ecology challenges