Urban biodiversity refers to the variety of life forms—plants, animals, fungi, and microorganisms—that exist within urban areas like cities and towns. These organisms coexist in both natural and built environments and adapt to human-dominated landscapes, encompassing everything from the wildlife living in parks and green spaces to species inhabiting more developed environments, such as streets, rooftops, and even buildings. Biodiversity and ecosystems outside the city have a profound impact on the quality of life in urban areas with crucial connections to air and water quality, climate regulation, mental and physical health, and biodiversity spillover.
Source: Fisher, P. August 29, 2019. “Extinction debt: Urban biodiversity may be the answer.” Independent Australia. Available at: https://independentaustralia.net/environment/environment-display/extinction-debt-urban-biodiversity-may-be-the-answer,13054
Biodiversity supports human wellbeing in urban areas. At the same time, urbanization profoundly affects biodiversity. As cities expand, natural habitats are destroyed or fragmented, making it harder for species to find suitable places to live and reproduce. Fragmentation reduces genetic diversity and limits access to resources like food and water. Further, urban areas produce various forms of pollution, including air, water, and noise pollution, which can harm species, especially those sensitive to changes in their environment. Cities also contribute to climate change by increasing greenhouse gas emissions and associated climate change, which disrupts ecosystems and alters habitats. The movement of people and goods can introduce non-native species to urban environments, sometimes outcompeting local species and disrupting ecosystems. Despite these challenges, cities can also host surprising levels of biodiversity if the urban landscape is managed thoughtfully, with green spaces like parks, community gardens, and green roofs supporting both native and non-native species.
To prioritize sustainability, biodiversity, and ecological health, ecological planning can be used as a framework for designing cities and landscapes. Ecological planning involves understanding and integrating natural systems and processes into the development of urban areas and ensuring that ecological values are maintained or enhanced even as cities grow. This kind of ecosystem-centered planning process can be an essential tool for creating equitable access to green spaces by identifying and protecting natural areas, particularly in underserved communities, and making sure that green spaces are distributed fairly across the city. Ecological planning can also be used to develop multi-functional spaces, involving the local communities in the design and management of green spaces. Plans can incorporate green infrastructure, such as green walls, urban forests, and permeable pavements, which can enhance biodiversity within urban areas while providing essential services like stormwater management, air purification, and heat mitigation. These types of green interventions can be strategically placed in historically marginalized neighborhoods to improve the quality of life for all residents. By supporting urban biodiversity, interventions can both enrich the ecosystems within cities and strengthen the vital connection between urban areas and the broader natural environment.
