Cities as sustainable ecosystems : principles and practices / Peter Newman, Isabella Jennings.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Newman, Peter, 1945-

Contributor:

Jennings, Isabella.

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Urban ecology (Sociology).

Sustainable development.

Physical Description:

1 online resource (296 p.)

Edition:

1st ed.

Place of Publication:

Washington, D.C. : Island Press, c2008.

Summary:

Modern city dwellers are largely detached from the environmental effects of their daily lives. The sources of the water they drink, the food they eat, and the energy they consume are all but invisible, often coming from other continents, and their waste ends up in places beyond their city boundaries. Cities as Sustainable Ecosystems shows how cities and their residents can begin to reintegrate into their bioregional environment, and how cities themselves can be planned with nature's organizing principles in mind. Taking cues from living systems for sustainability strategies, Newman and Jennings reassess urban design by exploring flows of energy, materials, and information, along with the interactions between human and non-human parts of the system.Drawing on examples from all corners of the world, the authors explore natural patterns and processes that cities can emulate in order to move toward sustainability. Some cities have adopted simple strategies such as harvesting rainwater, greening roofs, and producing renewable energy. Others have created biodiversity parks for endangered species, community gardens that support a connection to their foodshed, and pedestrian-friendly spaces that encourage walking and cycling.A powerful model for urban redevelopment, Cities as Sustainable Ecosystems describes aspects of urban ecosystems from the visioning process to achieving economic security to fostering a sense of place.

Contents:

Vision

Economy and society

Biodiversity

Ecological footprints

Modeling cities on ecosystems

Sense of place

Empowerment and participation

Partnerships

Sustainable production and consumption

Governance and hope

Conclusions.

Notes:

Includes bibliographical references (p. [269]-276) and index.

ISBN:

9781597267472

1597267473

9781435699847

143569984X

OCLC:

646791203