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Social-ecological urbanism is the idea of integrating nature into the design of cities to create more sustainable and enjoyable environments. It goes beyond just adding parks and focuses on the eye-level experience of residents. Good urban design can encourage walking and biking, foster community, and improve well-being. Cities can also become havens for biodiversity with thoughtful planning. Engaging communities in the planning process and raising awareness about the benefits of social-ecological urbanism can drive change. The challenge lies in balancing human needs with ecological health and finding the right density for cities. Retrofitting existing cities with green infrastructure is another frontier in this field. Design can also play a role in reconnecting people with nature and combating ecological illiteracy. Examples like the Bosco Verticale in Milan show how nature can be integrated into dense urban spaces. Affordances in urban design can encourage interaction with nature, an Okay, so imagine a city where buildings are covered in plants and sidewalks lead you through like these vibrant ecosystems. That's the idea behind social-ecological urbanism. And you sent us a ton of research on the topic, so I think it's time for a deep dive. Yeah, it's a super relevant area right now, especially with climate change and biodiversity loss and how cities are right at the center of that. Exactly. And today we're going to be looking at excerpts from a 2022 article called Frontiers in Social-Ecological Urbanism. It's by Kolding and a bunch of other researchers, and it's full of insights on how cities can adapt and be more sustainable by blending social and ecological systems. So our goal today is to help you understand what social-ecological urbanism is, why it's so important, especially if you live in a city, and how urban design impacts not just us, but all the life around us. Yeah, and it goes way beyond just adding more parks. Social-ecological urbanism, or SEU, is about weaving nature into the actual design of the city. So it's not just about putting a green roof on a skyscraper and calling it a day. No, not at all. The study highlights how SEU is focused on the eye-level experience, basically how we actually experience a city day-to-day. Imagine walking down a street, all the buildings and trees and benches and even other people. It all shapes your experience and has a much bigger impact on you than you might think. Oh, wow. I've never thought of it that way. So are you saying that a well-designed street could actually make me happier? A well-designed street could definitely contribute. Good urban design can encourage people to walk and bike more, and it can help people interact and build a sense of community. The study talks about topo-diversity, which sounds complicated, but it just means having a mix of experiences in the neighborhood, like different building densities, green spaces, walkable streets, all within easy reach. So instead of just rows and rows of houses, you want to mix things up to make the environment more interesting. But this is about more than just humans being happy, right? What about the impact on the environment and other species? Oh, absolutely. Cities can actually become havens for biodiversity. It just takes some thoughtful planning. We tend to think of them as concrete jungles. But they have the potential to support so much life, like trees, for instance. They do way more than just look pretty. Okay. I know they provide shade and clean the air, but tell me more. Well, did you know that a single mature tree can absorb like 48 pounds of carbon dioxide each year? And beyond that, just seeing and interacting with nature and the city reduces our stress and helps us feel more connected to the world around us. Wetlands can filter water flowers, can support pollinators. It's all connected. Okay. I'm starting to see the bigger picture. But how do we actually make this happen? It's not like we can just redesign our cities overnight. Well, that's where institutions and public discourse come in. Laws, regulations, even cultural norms all influence design. For example, property rights play a huge role in who has access to green spaces. So it's not just about the physical design, it's about the rules and conversations that shape a city and makes you think about who gets to decide what gets built and where. That's a lot more complicated than I initially thought. It is. And the paper emphasizes the importance of collaborative planning, bringing communities into the process of shaping their cities, giving residents a voice and empowering them to be stewards of their neighborhoods. So it's not just top-down planning from experts. It's also about a bottom-up approach where residents have a say. That makes sense, but it also sounds really messy, like trying to get everyone on the same page. It can be. But the article actually challenges this idea that urban designers have all the control. In reality, a lot of the power lies with urban planners who have to deal with things like political agendas and budget constraints. Oh, that's a good point. So how do we make sure these social-ecological principles are actually prioritized when there are all these other competing interests? That's a tough question. But the research suggests that engaging with communities and raising awareness about the benefits of SEU can create a powerful force for change. It's about changing the conversation and showing the value of a more holistic approach. So knowledge is power. The more we understand these principles, the more we can advocate for them. I like that. Exactly. And it's not just about fixing existing problems. It's about pushing the limits of what's possible. The article talks about some exciting frontiers in SEU research. One of the big questions they're looking at is how dense can cities get without harming the environment? Okay. So we're not just talking about suburbs anymore. We're talking about, like, vertical cities with tons of people. How do we make those environmentally friendly? Isn't that kind of counterintuitive? More people, less nature. Right. And the compact city model has often been seen as, like, a solution to reduce emissions. But there are concerns about how density might impact well-being and biodiversity. SEU researchers are trying to find a balance. How can we meet human needs while protecting ecological health? They're looking for what they call densification thresholds for biodiversity, basically how much is too much. So it's not just about cramming as many people as possible into a small space. There's a limit to what nature can handle. But what about existing cities? Can we actually retrofit them to be more SEU friendly? That's another frontier they're looking at. It's not easy, but there are some really incredible solutions, like green roofs, open stormwater systems, and even something called greenskins on buildings. Imagine buildings covered in vegetation. Wait, greenskins? What are those exactly? They're basically vertical gardens, almost like living walls built into a building's facade. They can insulate the building, reduce noise pollution, and even filter air pollutants. That's so cool. So we could actually transform those concrete canyons into something way more alive. I'm getting really excited about the possibilities here. Me too. And there's one more frontier I want to touch on before we move on. It's about combating what the research calls ecological illiteracy. Ecological illiteracy? That sounds kind of ominous. It is a bit of a mouthful, but it basically means that as we become more and more urbanized, we're losing touch with nature and why it's so important. And I'm guessing that can lead to a lack of concern for environmental issues, like out of sight, out of mind. Exactly. So researchers are exploring how design can actually encourage people to appreciate and interact with nature more. It's about making those connections feel effortless and inspiring. So instead of just sticking nature in designated parks, it's about weaving it into our everyday lives. I like that idea. But let's go back to those greenskins you mentioned earlier. Tell me more about those. Are there any actual buildings that are using them effectively? There are. The Bosco Verticale, or vertical forest, in Milan, Italy, is a great example. It's these two residential towers covered in over 900 trees and thousands of other plants. Wait, hold on. Trees growing on skyscrapers? That sounds like something out of a sci-fi movie. It does sound futuristic, but it's a real working example of how we can bring nature into these dense urban spaces. Those greenskins not only look incredible, they also provide habitats for birds and insects. And they help improve air quality and regulate the building's temperature. So it's not just a cool design feature, it's actually a functional part of the building. That makes you wonder what other innovative solutions are out there. Well, the article also mentions affordances in urban design. It's basically the idea that you can design spaces to encourage specific actions. So in the context of SEU, it means creating urban spaces that naturally invite people to interact with nature. I think I'm starting to get it. So instead of just building a park and hoping people use it, you design it in a way that draws people in, like an invitation to connect with nature. Exactly. Imagine a playground built around a natural spring. Kids are naturally drawn to water. So this design would encourage them to engage with that element while they play. It's not about forcing interaction, but making it so enticing that it becomes irresistible. Okay, now that's a playground I can get behind. So much better than those boring plastic ones you see everywhere. It seems like this whole approach is about shifting our mindset, seeing the city not as separate from nature, but as an ecosystem in itself. You're exactly right. And speaking of ecosystems, the article also talks about understanding how things move through the city. Not just people, but animals and plants, too. It's about designing for movement for all species. So we're thinking beyond just sidewalks and bike paths now. What does that look like in practice? Well, imagine designing buildings and streets that allow animals to move freely and safely. Think green corridors, wildlife crossings, green roofs that connect habitats, creating a network of green spaces throughout the entire city. So we're creating a whole new ecosystem within the city, a network where nature can thrive. Are there any cities that are doing this well? London's Green Grid is a great example. They're creating a network of green spaces and corridors across the whole city, linking parks, gardens, even private yards to make a more connected and biodiverse city. It's a huge project, but the potential benefits are massive. It sounds like it. Okay, so we've talked a lot about design and planning, but what about the human element? How do we get people to actually care about this stuff and change their behavior? That's where combating ecological illiteracy comes in. The article suggests incorporating biophilic design. Okay, another new term, biophilic design. Break that down for me. It's basically the idea of bringing natural elements, shapes, and patterns into buildings and spaces, like using design to tap into our human instinct to connect with nature. Think natural light, organic shapes, and natural materials like wood and stone. Even just having views of nature or the sounds of water can have a really positive effect. So it's not just about having a plant in the corner. It's about creating a space that truly feels like nature. Exactly. And studies have shown that biophilic design can reduce stress, improve cognitive function, and even help people heal. There's even research suggesting that exposure to nature can reduce crime rates and make communities stronger. Wow, that's amazing. It makes you wonder why we haven't been doing this all along. I know, right? Look, we've been designing against our own nature, creating these sterile, concrete environments that are actually bad for us. So how do we start changing this? Where do we even begin? The research talks about using multi-scalar approaches, so tackling the issue at different levels, from individual actions to citywide policies. Okay, can you explain that a bit more? What are some things that cities can actually do to promote SEU? Well, one thing is to incentivize green building practices, like giving tax breaks to developers who incorporate green roofs or green walls, or requiring a certain percentage of green space in new developments. So making it financially worthwhile for developers to build sustainably. Exactly. And cities can also invest in green infrastructure, things like rain gardens, bioswales, permeable pavements that can help manage stormwater runoff and reduce pollution. Those sound like great solutions, but what about individuals? What can regular people do to contribute to SEU in their own communities? Oh, there are so many ways to get involved. You can advocate for green spaces in your neighborhood, support local organizations working on sustainability. You could even start your own community garden. I love the idea of a community garden. It's such a great way to meet your neighbors, grow your own food, and create a little piece of nature right in the city. It is. And don't underestimate the impact of just planting native species in your yard or on your balcony. They're adapted to the local climate, need less water, and provide habitat for wildlife. Okay. Adding that to my to-do list. But let's be realistic for a second. We're facing some huge challenges like climate change and biodiversity loss. Can SEU really make a difference on that scale? That's a really good question. And while SEU isn't a magic solution, the research shows that it can play a big part in building cities that are more resilient and sustainable. By integrating nature into the urban fabric, we can create cities that can handle climate change, better protect biodiversity, and create healthier and happier communities. So it's a holistic approach that tackles multiple problems at the same time. I'm starting to feel more hopeful about the future. Me too. And it's important to remember that SEU is an ongoing process. It's a journey of learning and adapting. As we face new challenges and opportunities, we need to be open to experimenting and innovating and working together to create cities that will thrive for years to come. Well said. We've covered so much in this deep dive already, from the theory behind social ecological urbanism to real world examples, and even simple things we can all do in our own lives. It's been a really interesting conversation, and I hope it's left you feeling inspired and ready to take action. Because ultimately creating a more sustainable and resilient future is up to all of us. It's not just about big plans and policies. It's about the choices we make every day. I love that. It's about realizing that we all have the power to shape our cities and to create a world that works for both people and nature. Well said. This deep dive has given me a lot to think about, and I'm excited to start putting some of these ideas into practice. Thanks for joining us, and a huge thanks to our listeners for sending us some amazing research. We'll see you next time for another deep dive into a topic that matters. All right, so we've talked about what social ecological urbanism is and why it matters. We've even touched on some of the challenges, but now I want to hear about real world examples. What are some cities that are actually doing this well and putting these principles into action? Oh, there are so many exciting examples all over the world. One that comes to mind right away is Singapore. They call it a city in a garden, and for good reason. I've seen pictures. It's amazing how much green space they've managed to squeeze in between the skyscrapers and everything. It doesn't even look like a normal city. Right. It's a deliberate effort to improve air quality, reduce urban heat, and create a more biodiverse environment. They even have something called a Skyrise Greenery Scheme, where they give incentives to developers who include things like rooftop gardens and vertical greenery in their buildings. So they're actually putting their money where their mouth is and encouraging sustainable building practices. That's awesome. What about North America? Are there any cities here that are doing a good job? Portland, Oregon is often praised for its focus on sustainability. They really prioritize public transportation bike lanes and green spaces. I've heard about their urban growth boundary, that line they drew to prevent the city from sprawling outwards. Is that part of their SEU strategy? Absolutely. By containing development within that boundary, they're not only protecting the natural areas outside the city, but they're also encouraging denser, more walkable neighborhoods within the city itself. So it's about finding that balance, right? Letting the city grow while still preserving the environment around it. Exactly. It's a balance to strike, but it's super important for sustainability in the long run. And then there's Toronto's ravine strategy, which is a totally different approach. I'm not familiar with that one. Tell me more. So Toronto has this amazing network of ravines that run right through the city, creating these natural corridors. The ravine strategy is their plan to protect and restore those ravines. They're recognizing that these ravines are valuable not just for the ecosystem, but also for recreation and the well-being of the people who live there. So instead of trying to get rid of those natural features, they're embracing them and making them part of the city's identity. I love that. It seems like every city has its own unique way of approaching SEU based on its own specific situation. That's one of the things that makes it so interesting. There's no one-size-fits-all solution. It's about finding what works best for each place. But it's not just about these big projects and policies. What about those of us who aren't urban planners or politicians? What can we do on an individual level to promote SEU? Yeah, that's what I want to know. What are some things that our listeners can start doing today in their own homes and communities? Well, if you have a yard, even a small one, think about planting native species. They're adapted to the local climate. They don't need as much water. And they provide food and habitat for local wildlife. So it's not just about having pretty flowers. It's about creating a little ecosystem in your backyard. I can definitely do that. What else? Another great thing is to support your local farmer's markets and buy locally grown food. It reduces your carbon footprint, helps local farmers, and honestly, local produce just tastes better. You're preaching to the choir. Fresh seasonal food is the best. Okay, what else? Transportation is another big one. Try to drive less if you can. Walk, bike, or take public transit. It's good for the environment. It's good exercise. And it's a chance to really experience your city from the ground up. You might even discover some hidden gems in your neighborhood. I'm always finding new things when I walk around. Exactly. And even if you don't have a yard, you can still create a little green space. Your balcony or even a window sill can become a thriving little ecosystem. Plant some flowers or herbs, maybe even some vegetables. I find it so relaxing to take care of plants. It's a great way to de-stress and connect with nature, even if you're in the middle of the city. It is. And one last thing. Don't forget to just pay attention. Take a moment to appreciate the trees on your street, the birds in the park, the wild flowers growing in the cracks of the sidewalk. Those little moments of connection can make a real difference. I think that's a really important point. It's so easy to get caught up in the busyness of city life and forget to notice the nature that's all around us. We need those moments to pause and reconnect and remember that we're a part of nature, not separate from it. Exactly. That sense of connection is so important. It's the foundation for creating a better future. Wow. Thank you so much in this deep dive, from the theory behind social ecological urbanism to real world examples, and even simple things we can do in our own lives. It's been a really fascinating conversation, and I hope you're feeling inspired and ready to make a difference. Because in the end, creating a more sustainable and resilient future is up to all of us. It's not just about big plans and policies. It's about the choices we make every single day. I love that. It's about realizing that we all have the power to shape our cities and create a world that works for both people and nature. Well said. This deep dive has given me so much to think about, and I can't wait to start putting some of these ideas into action. Thanks for joining us, and a huge thanks to our listeners for sending us this amazing research. We'll see you next time for another deep dive into a topic that matters and what qualifies