What is Urban Ecology?

  • Urban ecology is the study of how living organisms interact with each other and their environment in cities and towns.
  • It examines how urban development affects plants, animals, humans, and the physical environment (air, water, soil).

History of Urban Ecology

Early Beginnings

  • 1920s: The Chicago School of Sociology first applied ecological ideas to cities, studying neighborhoods as ecosystems.
  • 1940s–1960s: Scientists began mapping green spaces and studying how city growth changed animal and plant populations.

Development of the Field

  • 1970s: Urban ecology became recognized as a scientific discipline, focusing on pollution, green spaces, and biodiversity in cities.
  • 1990s: The field expanded to include social, economic, and policy aspects of urban environments.

Key Experiments in Urban Ecology

1. The Baltimore Ecosystem Study

  • Started in 1997, this long-term project tracks how urbanization affects water quality, plant growth, and animal populations.
  • Findings: Urban streams have higher pollution levels, but green infrastructure (like rain gardens) helps reduce these impacts.

2. Urban Heat Island Effect Studies

  • Experiments in cities like Tokyo and New York show that concrete and asphalt absorb more heat, raising city temperatures.
  • Planting trees and creating parks helps cool cities and improves air quality.

3. Biodiversity Surveys in Berlin

  • Scientists mapped species in parks, rooftops, and abandoned lots.
  • Results: Even small green spaces support many species, including rare insects and birds.

4. Plastic Pollution in Urban Waterways

  • Recent studies (2020–2023) found microplastics in city rivers and lakes, which eventually reach the ocean.
  • Example: In 2020, research published in Science Advances showed microplastics in the Mariana Trench, the deepest ocean spot, originating from urban runoff.

Modern Applications of Urban Ecology

Green Infrastructure

  • Building green roofs, rain gardens, and permeable pavements to manage stormwater and reduce flooding.
  • Example: Singapore uses vertical gardens and rooftop farms to cool buildings and grow food.

Urban Wildlife Corridors

  • Creating pathways for animals to safely cross roads and move between habitats.
  • Example: Los Angeles built bridges for mountain lions to cross highways.

Air Quality Management

  • Planting trees and shrubs to filter pollutants and improve city air.
  • Monitoring air pollution helps cities plan traffic and industry locations.

Urban Farming

  • Growing food in city spaces, such as community gardens and rooftop farms.
  • Reduces food transportation pollution and increases access to fresh produce.

Smart Cities

  • Using sensors and data to monitor environmental conditions, like temperature, noise, and pollution.
  • Helps city planners make informed decisions for healthier urban environments.

Plastic Pollution in Urban Ecology

  • Urban areas are major sources of plastic waste, which can travel through rivers to the ocean.
  • Microplastics have been found in the deepest ocean trenches, showing the global impact of urban pollution.
  • Recent Study: Jamieson et al. (2020) found microplastics in the Mariana Trench, highlighting how city waste reaches remote ecosystems.

Ethical Considerations in Urban Ecology

Main Ethical Issues

  • Environmental Justice: Ensuring all communities have access to clean air, water, and green spaces.
  • Biodiversity Protection: Balancing city development with the need to protect plants and animals.
  • Waste Management: Reducing pollution and safely disposing of waste to prevent harm to humans and wildlife.
  • Public Health: Making sure city planning considers health impacts, especially for vulnerable populations.
  • Participation: Involving residents in decisions about their environment.

Example Ethical Dilemma

  • Building a new highway may help traffic but can destroy habitats and increase pollution in low-income neighborhoods.

Memory Trick

Remember the 3 G’s of Urban Ecology:

  • Green Spaces (parks, gardens)
  • Garbage (pollution, waste management)
  • Growth (city expansion, development)

If you think of a city, ask: Where’s the green? Where’s the garbage going? How is it growing?

Summary

Urban ecology is the science of how living things and their environment interact in cities. It began in the early 1900s and has grown to include experiments on pollution, biodiversity, and urban planning. Modern applications include green infrastructure, wildlife corridors, and smart city technology. Plastic pollution from cities is a major global problem, with microplastics found even in the deepest oceans. Ethical issues include environmental justice, health, and protecting biodiversity. Urban ecology helps us build cities that are healthier for people and nature.

Recent Research Citation

  • Jamieson, A.J., Brooks, L., Reid, W.D.K., et al. (2020). “Microplastics and anthropogenic fibres in the abyss: Deep-sea observations from the Mariana Trench.” Science Advances, 6(44), eaba5045. Link