Cities as sustainable ecosystems : principles and practices

Author(s)

Bibliographic Information

Cities as sustainable ecosystems : principles and practices

Peter Newman, Isabella Jennings

Island Press, c2008

  • : hardcover
  • : pbk

Available at  / 20 libraries

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Note

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

Description and Table of Contents

Description

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.

by "Nielsen BookData"

Details

  • NCID
    BA85301406
  • ISBN
    • 9781597261876
    • 9781597261883
  • LCCN
    2007026187
  • Country Code
    us
  • Title Language Code
    eng
  • Text Language Code
    eng
  • Place of Publication
    Washington, D.C.
  • Pages/Volumes
    x, 284 p.
  • Size
    26 cm
  • Classification
  • Subject Headings
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