Urban Ecology An Introduction

This fully revised second edition reflects the great expansion in urban ecology research, action and teaching since 2015. Urban ecology provides an understanding of urban ecosystems and uses nature-based techniques to enhance habitats and alleviate poor environmental conditions. Already the home to the majority of the world’s people, urban areas continue to grow, causing ecological changes throughout the world. To help students of all professions caring for urban areas and the people, animals and plants that live in them, the authors set out the environmental and ecological science of cities; linkages between urban nature and human health and urban food production in cities and how we can value urban nature. The book explores our responsibilities for urban nature and greening, ecological management techniques and the use of nature-based solutions to achieve a better, more sustainable urban future and ensure that cities can climate change and become more beautiful and more sustainable places in which to live. This text provides the student and the practitioner with a critical scientific overview of urban ecology that will be a key source of data and ideas for studies and for sound urban management.

Introduction to the first edition Introduction to the second edition PART I Context of urban ecology: what, how, why and where? 1. Urban ecology – What, How and Why? 2. Urban areas PART II Abiotic factors 3 The urban atmosphere: weather, climate and air quality 4 The soils, substrates and landforms underlying and supporting all life in towns and cities 5 Water for urban ecosystems: Urban hydrology 6 Urban biogeochemistry PART III Biological factors 7 Urban habitats 8 Urban flora 9 Urban fauna PART IV Services and Values 10 Natural Capital and Ecosystem Services 11 Urban Agriculture 12 Health and Well-being PART V Urban environmental stewardship and management 13 Responsibilities and partnerships for urban nature and urban greening 14 Ecological management techniques 15 Nature-based Solutions 16 Final Comments

Philip James is Emeritus Professor of Ecology at the University of Salford and Honorary Senior Research Fellow in Geography at the University of Manchester.   Ian Douglas is Emeritus Professor at the University of Manchester, with over 60 years of research experience relating to changes in the hydrologic and geomorphic systems of tropical rain forests, and to the biophysical changes in the urban environment.