Topic: Urban Environments

Urban Environments (origin: collective, late 19th c.)

Urban environments refer to ecosystems in the cities and surrounding areas characterized by high population density, developed infrastructure, and intense residential, commercial, and industrial activities that shape its biotic and abiotic factors. In urban environments, most inhabitants have non-agricultural jobs. The term emerged to distinguish urban environments from rural (agricultural) and wild environments.

Urban environments are one of the key markers of the Anthropocene. As of 2023, they include 56% of the world’s human population. These areas typically feature a concentration of buildings, transportation systems, and services, creating a distinct landscape shaped by human influence. The health of urban environments is one of the priorities of World Health Organization (WHO). Understanding urban environments within the context of climate literacy involves studying how urbanization and related pollution impacts climate and vice versa. This includes examining phenomena such as the urban heat island effect, where cities experience higher temperatures compared to their rural surroundings due to human activities and the built environment.

Climate scientists investigate how urbanization affects local weather patterns, air quality, precipitation, and other climatic variables, as well as how urban areas contribute to greenhouse gas emissions and climate change. Mitigation and adaptation strategies, such as carbon offsets and ecological civilization, in urban environments are critical for addressing climate-related challenges and fostering resilience in cities. Furthermore, urban environments can have a positive impact on climate through the implementation of green spaces and infrastructure. Green roofs, urban forests, and parks help absorb carbon dioxide and provide cooling effects. Additionally, cities can promote sustainable transportation options like cycling and public transit, which can lower greenhouse gas emissions and improve air quality.

©2025 ClimateLit (Afton Northrup)

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by Ryan Coogler

“Wakanda is strong enough to help others and help ourselves.”

by Micha Archer

“On Tuesday, Daniel climbs the old oak tree. He sees Squirrel. ‘Squirrel, do you know what poetry is?’ ‘Poetry is when crisp leaves crunch,’ Squirrel tells him.”

by Jacqueline Briggs Martin

“Will believed everyone, everywhere, had a right to good food. But how could Will farm in the middle of pavement and parking lots?”

by Megan Wagner Lloyd

“It pushes through cracks and crannies and steals back forgotten places.”

by Bart Davis, Julian Lennon

“On our beautiful planet, some places need healing. Would you like to go on a healing adventure?”

by Bren MacDibble

“But how can Peony leave her beloved sister, grandfather, best friend Applejoy, and the orchard behind? And just for money? Don’t Ma know what’s important anyway?”

by Mélina Mangal

“The magic of nature was all around them—right there in the middle of the city.”

by Barry Timms

“Love grows everywhere… / from country farm to city square. / From desert village, hot and dry, / to mountain home where eagles fly.”

by Douglas W. Tallamy, Sarah L. Thomson

“We just have to change the way we think about plants.”

by Jason Chin

“Coast redwoods need a lot of water to grow as tall as they do, and the area in Northern California where they live is perfect – it’s a rain forest.”

by Danna Smith

“A rooftop garden is what we need / Friends and family all agree. / A garden starts with hardy seeds. / A rooftop garden is what we need.”

by Jane Lister Reis, Margie Lister Muenzer

“Everyone needs to help make our planet healthy again. The animals are counting on us!”

by Peter Brown

“The garden had always wanted to explore the rest of the city, and that spring it was finally ready to make its move”

by Lauren Stringer

“The Dark was tired of hiding. Nightlights, streetlights, flashlights, and table lamps — all pushed the Dark away. Everyone was afraid of the dark. Everyone wished the Dark would leave.”

by Dave Eggers

“It is a tendency of the human species to see themselves in everything, to assume all living things, animals in particular, are simply corollaries to humans, but in this book, that is not the case. Here, the dogs are dogs, the birds are birds, goats are goats, the Bison Bison.”