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A review by icbikecommuter
Urban Jungle: The History and Future of Nature in the City by Ben Wilson
3.0
Really enjoyed the premise of this thoughtful book and enjoyed the references to the many places I’ve visited including the parks in London. Much of the book was pretty technical and didn’t hold my attention but the conclusion is especially great.
No number of trees, clean rivers and ecological parks will reverse the looming climate disaster. The concept of nature in the city has become increasingly important but more important is the question of the city in nature. A current day city needs to be able to react to unpredictable environmental shocks.
- more
Circular-
When cities ceased to be self-sufficient in terms of energy, fuel, food, water and raw materials they placed heavier burdens on the planet. The Dutch capital has an ambitious plan to reimagine capitalism in the 21st century. Striking a balance with nature, learning to live with water and flooding and functioning more like a natural ecosystem. At the heart of the problem is energy so Amsterdam will soon produce 80% of its energy with nearby solar arrays wind farms and biomass generators. Cadiz also owns its own power company. Cities possess greater power to control their flows of resources and implement large scale changes to their needs and that of the central government. Amsterdam wants to halve consumption of
Raw materials and become fully circular which requires recycling, reusing, repairing, and repurposing on large scale. Amsterdam is prioritizing the recycling of textile fibers into high quality clothing and by sponsoring repair services.
Cars take up 40% of public space- remove them!!!
And suddenly you have more rooms for hollyhocks and trees! Part of Amsterdams plan is to create a city for people, plants and trees. Car dependency wreaked havoc on cities. Weaning ourselves off of our private vehicle will not be easy.
Density is good for the environment too- when we stop spreading out we leave more land for nature. We also burn less gas: we walk, cycle, and take public transit more. We are weaving wildlife into urban fabric and are discovering urban ecosystems have a vital role to play in planetary health.
No number of trees, clean rivers and ecological parks will reverse the looming climate disaster. The concept of nature in the city has become increasingly important but more important is the question of the city in nature. A current day city needs to be able to react to unpredictable environmental shocks.
- more
Circular-
When cities ceased to be self-sufficient in terms of energy, fuel, food, water and raw materials they placed heavier burdens on the planet. The Dutch capital has an ambitious plan to reimagine capitalism in the 21st century. Striking a balance with nature, learning to live with water and flooding and functioning more like a natural ecosystem. At the heart of the problem is energy so Amsterdam will soon produce 80% of its energy with nearby solar arrays wind farms and biomass generators. Cadiz also owns its own power company. Cities possess greater power to control their flows of resources and implement large scale changes to their needs and that of the central government. Amsterdam wants to halve consumption of
Raw materials and become fully circular which requires recycling, reusing, repairing, and repurposing on large scale. Amsterdam is prioritizing the recycling of textile fibers into high quality clothing and by sponsoring repair services.
Cars take up 40% of public space- remove them!!!
And suddenly you have more rooms for hollyhocks and trees! Part of Amsterdams plan is to create a city for people, plants and trees. Car dependency wreaked havoc on cities. Weaning ourselves off of our private vehicle will not be easy.
Density is good for the environment too- when we stop spreading out we leave more land for nature. We also burn less gas: we walk, cycle, and take public transit more. We are weaving wildlife into urban fabric and are discovering urban ecosystems have a vital role to play in planetary health.