- What is the source of your news item?
- The Guardian.
- Web address
- Title of news item
- Rewilding our cities: beauty, biodiversity and the biophilic cities movement
- Date published
- April 4, 2021.
- To which module from class does the news item connect?
- Module 10.2 Climate Change.
Summary of article
This article discusses how plant-covered buildings benefit human well-being and biodiversity and help avert climate change. While contemporary cities primarily have glass-faced buildings that overheat and require energy to cool down, an alternative supporting the human-nature connection would be more efficient and environmentally friendly. Such a tactic suggests that buildings should be aligned with living systems that continuously evolve. As cities and urban areas grow, establishing and maintaining the connection with nature is essential not only to bring beauty into human life but also to improve health and well-being. As research shows, areas that have street trees are characterized by lower crime rates and increased property value.
The article claims that engineering systems could improve by learning from nature which manages flooding and weather in a masterly and adaptable manner. In particular, as humanity fights climate change to avoid the dangerous consequences, natural systems and native cultures can provide a basis for managing and protecting biodiversity. According to a green government architect’s “Greener Places” framework, green infrastructure offers various benefits, such as increased social interaction, lower flood risk, and improved biodiversity. At the same time, people still observe designs that do not consider natural principles or habitats created to help maintain biodiversity. In this regard, a design approach based on regeneration creates more opportunities for nature and people to benefit each other mutually.
The author focuses on Australian practices and possibilities for the biophilic cities movement; however, the article emphasizes that rewilding is possible everywhere, even in dense city centers. Providing habitats for native speakers would also support engaging community spaces for citizens. It is worth noting that even small urban green areas are enough to create important habitats for a variety of species. By linking such areas into a larger space, one can increase the potential of benefiting biodiversity and connecting people and nature. This idea is supported by emerging projects around the world demonstrating vast opportunities. For example, Highline of New York is an example of using leftover spaces to unite people with natural elements through rewilding. Rewilding approach suggests using green infrastructure no the streets, in and in buildings, as well as in leftover spaces. The article argues that nature-based solutions can bring a healthy balance in the connection between nature and people. To do so, infrastructure and developments should be seen as initial areas for nature which humankind occupies instead of thinking that such space is for people to use and occasionally add greenery.
Using leftover spaces such as car parks, railway cuttings, or abandoned sites is an efficient approach to help prevent climate change. Roads, buildings, plazas, and rooftops increase heat and pollute water runoff as hard surfaces. The green approach does not simply involve the use of trees; instead, projects like Melbourne’s SkyFarm, Sydney’s Camperdown Commons, or Perth City Farm show how food can be grown in cities while improving community engagement. Acknowledging the benefits is the first step towards increasing the number of sustainable and green projects that prevent biodiversity loss and climate change.
The article highlights that there is no need to wait until more species extinction, bushfires, or floods occur to show that action is needed to prevent catastrophic consequences. A loss of 75% of Australian rainforests and koala extinction threats are some of the numerous examples of harmful effects that endanger all living beings. Biodiversity objectives set by the UN convention a decade ago were not accomplished, which indicates how alarming the situation is. Therefore, people must take responsibility for their actions and do their best to support nature and other species, especially since the survival of humanity depends on them. Seeing nature as an integral part of humankind is the only way to make a change, and so far, not enough action is taken. To summarize, rewilding cities is an efficient way to make people’s habitat beautiful, increase biodiversity, and help prevent climate change.
Why did you pick this news item? Why did you think it was interesting?
I picked this news item because it is related to the subject of climate change, as the article studies how rewilding of cities and green design can help prevent global warming. I thought this article was interesting because it focused on the benefits of green infrastructure and offered opportunities of making people’s life more sustainable and closer to nature. For example, leftover space can be used to bring nature not only to parks but also to built areas. The author explains that beauty and improved well-being are not the only advantages of rewilding but argues that biodiversity and climate situations can be enhanced with nature-based solutions.
What bias or agenda might the source of your news item have?
The Guardian newspaper is considered to be a reliable source of information that has a reputation for quality journalism. The newspaper claims to be the world’s leading liberal voice. Therefore, it is generally regarded as a credible source of information.
Provide at least one question you have after learning from your news item.
After reading this article, I wondered what other nature-based solutions are available to improve the connection of people and nature. Besides, I would like to know what countries are leading in rewilding and what practices they use to achieve this goal.