Urban Ecology; or, where we fit on this planet

At the heart of urban ecology is the idea (which is strangely new to Western civilization) that the species homo sapien is, like every other organism in the universe, part of an ecosystem.

As human beings, we are fantastic competitors. We have learned to out-compete almost every other species for food, land, water, and other resources; in the past few hundred years, our ability to do so has grown exponentially. From an ecological standpoint, this pattern will ultimately lead to a collapse of our species due to over-consumption of resources– a concern that has recently entered the public consciousness. (Curiously, this is actually a natural process; super successful species are self-limiting due to their  reliance on other biotic and abiotic systems).

A major factor in what has made humans successful is our highly developed intellect and ability to innovate– and it is this very ability that can save us from the typical (and gruesome) process of species collapse. Urban ecology encompasses the idea that we, as a species, can redefine our relationship with our environment to create a more healthy ecosystem to inhabit.

Key to this pursuit is the ability to think systemically. The power we have over our environment is so great that if we hope to make it ecologically sustainable, we must consider carefully and extensively all of the systems, forces, and elements that affect and are affected by our designs– watersheds, habitats, energy, economics, transportation, food systems, microclimates, and so on.

More than that, though, ecology must be systemic to our thinking as a species. Ecology must not solely be the realm of scientists, engineers, and designers, but must be understood as essential by all people. People of all ages, races, incomes, and abilities must be invited to join the discussion. After all, human communities are just another part of our urban ecology.