urban ecology - human dimensions: fitting into nature.pptx

This presentation is an introduction to urban ecology and human dimensions, discussing the meaning of urban ecology and how humans fit into these environments with their own dimensions without it being affected, and how that power in maintaining the ecology and environmental health of our urban setting affects our lives. It also discusses the ways architecture can be a major fixing.

1. Human Dimensions and Urban Ecology

2. Human Activities in Urban Areas Human activities - a range of actions by people that inflence, and are influenced by, te environment surounding them.

3. Human Dimensions The concept of human dimensions includes the various ways in which human values, beliefs, and behaviors intersect with environmental and urban systems.

4. It includes: Social factors: Demographics, social relationships, and community structures. Cultural factors: Values, beliefs, customs, and traditions that shape urban lifestyles. Economic factors: Income levels, employment opportunities, and economic disparities. Psychological factors: Mental health, stress levels, and quality of life. Human Dimensions

5. WHAT IS HUMAN DIMENTION? • The concept of Human Dimensions is broadly defined as the application of social science theories and methods to understand the diverse aspects of natural resource management and environmental problem-solving. This includes cultural, sociological, psychological, economic, biological, and physical factors that influence how communities interact with their environment Human Activities in the City and the Consequences for Urban Ecologies • Cities are complex systems where human activities are fused with the environment and play a major role in shaping the urban form and the life of its inhabitants.

6. INTRODUCTION WHAT IS URBAN ECOLOGY? Urban Ecology is the scientific study that focuses on the relationships between living organisms and their urban environment. It examines how urbanisation affects biodiversity and ecosystem services and seeks sustainable solutions for coexistence between humans and nature WHAT IS HUMAN DIMENTION? • The concept of Human Dimensions is broadly defined as the application of social science theories and methods to understand the diverse aspects of natural resource management and environmental problem-solving. This includes cultural, sociological, psychological, economic, biological, and physical factors that influence how communities interact with their environment

7. WHAT IS HUMAN DIMENTION? • The concept of Human Dimensions is broadly defined as the application of social science theories and methods to understand the diverse aspects of natural resource management and environmental problem-solving. This includes cultural, sociological, psychological, economic, biological, and physical factors that influence how communities interact with their environment INTRODUCTION WHAT IS URBAN ECOLOGY? Urban Ecology is the scientific study that focuses on the relationships between living organisms and their urban environment. It examines how urbanisation affects biodiversity and ecosystem services and seeks sustainable solutions for coexistence between humans and nature WHAT IS THE CONNECTION • The human dimension in urban ecology emphasizes the intricate interrelationship between urban environments and their inhabitants. It examines how human behaviors and social structures affect urban biodiversity, resource use, and ecological health

8. WHAT IS THE CONNECTION • The human dimension in urban ecology emphasizes the intricate interrelationship between urban environments and their inhabitants. It examines how human behaviors and social structures affect urban biodiversity, resource use, and ecological health WHAT IS HUMAN DIMENTION? • The concept of Human Dimensions is broadly defined as the application of social science theories and methods to understand the diverse aspects of natural resource management and environmental problem-solving. This includes cultural, sociological, psychological, economic, biological, and physical factors that influence how communities interact with their environment

9. HOUSING Many urban housing may include self contained units,such as detached single homes ,high rise or low rise blocks of apartments, or mixed use developments which may integrate living ,working and cultural activities Utilization of active transportation,private vehicles and public transit,which may include buses ,trams or the subways. TRANSPORTATION RECREATION Activities can be defined in terms of sporting, cultural and cooperative events and gatherings WORK Jobs in various sectors including finance,technology,health care and remote works Human Activities in the City and the Consequences for Urban Ecologies • Cities are complex systems where human activities are fused with the environment and play a major role in shaping the urban form and the life of its inhabitants.

10. HOUSING Many urban housing may include self contained units,such as detached single homes ,high rise or low rise blocks of apartments, or mixed use developments which may integrate living ,working and cultural activities Utilization of active transportation,private vehicles and public transit,which may include buses ,trams or the subways. TRANSPORTATION RECREATION Activities can be defined in terms of sporting, cultural and cooperative events and gatherings WORK Jobs in various sectors including finance,technology,health care and remote works

11. HUMAN DIMENSIONS Human dimensions in urban ecology are understood as the perception of the natural environment and the man-made one through the study of human activities, behaviours , and demographics in the urban areas. Human Dimensions in Urban Settings 1. Population Size and Density:- The population size of a city heavily influences all the urban planning processes.

12. Human Dimensions in Urban Settings 1. Population Size and Density:- The population size of a city heavily influences all the urban planning processes. HUMAN DIMENSIONS Human dimensions in urban ecology are understood as the perception of the natural environment and the man-made one through the study of human activities, behaviours , and demographics in the urban areas. 2. Diversity:- In urban settings, diversity refers to individual differences of cultural, ethnic, and socio-economic factors that in the long run shape community identity and interactions.

13. 2. Diversity:- In urban settings, diversity refers to individual differences of cultural, ethnic, and socio-economic factors that in the long run shape community identity and interactions. Human Dimensions in Urban Settings 1. Population Size and Density:- The population size of a city heavily influences all the urban planning processes. 3. Space Usage:- Population features are involved in the way how living space is used. The connection between population specifics and space usage is a significant one, for as they affect the whole mechanism of urban planning.

14. 3. Space Usage:- Population features are involved in the way how living space is used. The connection between population specifics and space usage is a significant one, for as they affect the whole mechanism of urban planning. 2. Diversity:- In urban settings, diversity refers to individual differences of cultural, ethnic, and socio-economic factors that in the long run shape community identity and interactions.

15. HUMAN ECOSYSTEM INTERACTION IN URBAN AREAS It is a complex interplay between people and their environment, shaped by factors such as urbanization, infrastructure development, and social dynamics. ACTIVITIES THAT TAKES PLACE IN CITIES INCLUDE •WORK ACTIVITIES jobs in various sectors including finance,technology,health care and remote works

16. ADVANTAGE OF NATURAL ECOSYSTEMS TO URBAN POPULATION Provisioning Services : Natural ecosystems provide essential resources like food, water, and timber. Regulating Services : They help to regulate climate, air quality, and water quality. Cultural Services : Ecosystems offer recreational opportunities, aesthetic benefits, and spiritual connections. Supporting Services : They provide essential ecosystem processes such as nutrient cycling and soil formation. HUMAN ACTIVITIES IN THE CITY AND THE CONSEQUENCES FOR URBAN ECOLOGIES • Cities are complex systems where human activities are fused with the environment and play a major role in shaping the urban form and the life of its inhabitants. • RECREATION activities can be defined in terms of sporting, cultural and cooperative events and gatherings •TRANSPORTATION utilization of active transportation, private vehicles and public transit, which may include buses ,trams or the subways.

17. Impacts of Urbanization on Natural Ecosystems: Habitat Destruction Pollution Resource Depletion Climate Change ACTIVITIES THAT TAKES PLACE IN CITIES INCLUDE •WORK ACTIVITIES jobs in various sectors including finance,technology,health care and remote works • HOUSING many urban housing may include self contained units, such as detached single homes ,high rise or low-rise blocks of apartments, or mixed-use developments which may integrate living ,working and cultural activities

18. Sustainable Urban Planning: Incorporating green infrastructure and preserving natural areas in urban development plans. Environmental Protection Policies: Implementing policies and regulations to protect ecosystems and reduce pollution. Community Engagement: Encouraging public participation in environmental protection and conservation efforts. Sustainable Practices: Promoting sustainable practices in urban areas, such as energy efficiency, waste reduction, and responsible consumption.

19. Ecological footprint Ecological Footprint: Measures natural resource consumption versus Earth’s capacity. Key Components: Carbon Footprint: Greenhouse gas emissions from fossil fuels. Water Footprint: Freshwater used for goods and services. Land Footprint: Land needed for agriculture and infrastructure.

20. How can it be calculated? Ecological footprint = Consumption / Productivity It's measured in global hectares (gha) Factors to consider: Biocapacity of the planet: The capacity of the planet to generate resources. Human activity : The resources consumed and disposed due to our activity.

21. HUMAN ECO-SYSTEM INTERACTION Defntion Components Types Impacts Ways of Promoting sustaninable interaction Human ecosystems refer to the complex interactions between humans and their environment, encompassing both natural and built environments.

22.  Non-living elements such as water, soil, air, and climate play a significant role in shaping human activities These include all living organisms —plants, animals, and microorganisms— that interact with humans.

23. Ways of Human Eco-system interaction T ypes of human eco-system interaction Resource Extraction Land Use Change Pollution Conservation Efforts Promoting Sustainable Interactions • Sustainable Agriculture • Urban Planning • Education and Awareness • Policy and Governance

24. Positive Impacts   1. Conservation Efforts 2. Sustainable Resource Management 3.  Ecotourism 4. Urban Green Space Negative Impacts   1. Habitat Destruction 2. Pollution 3. C l imate Change 4. Invasive Species 5. Overexploitation of Resources 6. Soil Degradat ion 7. Water Scarcity   Impacts of human eco-system interaction

25. RISK OF RAPID URBANIZATION The movement of people from rural areas to live in towns and cities is one of the most significant population trends of modern times. However, rapid urbanization creates risks as well as opportunities especially in developing countries. Rapid urbanization can lead to many risks. As cities grow rapidly, a multitude of challenges can arise.

26. Overcrowding strains infrastructure, leading to increased pollution and poor waste management. Rapid urbanizatio n exacerbates economic inequality, widening the gap between the wealthy and the poor. Inadequate housing results in slums and informal settlements, with residents lacking access to basic services. RISK OF RAPID URBANIZATION

27. Moreover, urban sprawl leads to the loss of green spaces and natural habitats, impacting biodiversity and contributing  to climate change.  The pressure on resources can also lead to higher living costs, making life difficult for the  average resident. RISK OF RAPID URBANIZATION

28. All these factors combined can create a cycle of poverty and environmental degradation that is difficult to break. Hence, urbanization isn't just about the migration of people; it's a shift that affects every aspect of life. RISK OF RAPID URBANIZATION

29. Planers and government roles On human dimensions and urban ecology

30. Planners and government Government and urban planners play a crucial role in shaping cities and communities. Their responsibilities typically include: Land Use planning and infrastructure development Sustainability initiatives and economic development Community Engagement Public Health and safety

31. Roles of planers and government on human dimensions Community Engagement and Participation: public involvement and collaboration planning Social equality and Inclusion: Affordable housing and access to Services Economic Development: job Creation strategies and supporting small business

32. CONT... 4. Health and Well-Being: public health policies and built environment 5. Environmental Justice: sustainability initiatives and community resilience 6. Cutural and historical Preservation: cultural Planning, support for the art

33. CONT... 7. Safety and Security: crime Prevention and disaster preparedness 8. Education and Awareness: workshops and Trainings, public outreach

34. Roles of planers and government on urban ecology Sustainable urban development: green infrastructure and low impact development Zoning and Land Use development: ecologically sensitive zoning, mixed use development Biodiversity protection: habit conservation , invasive social management

35. CONT... 4. Climate Resilience: climate adaptation planning, carbon neutral goals 5. Community Engagement and education 6. Transportation Planning: sustainable transportation system, green corridor

36. CONT... 7. Ecological Restoration: restoration projects 8. Research and Data Collection: biodiversity Assessments 9. Economic Incentives: finding and Grants, regulatory framework

37. Objectives To understand how community involvement influences urban ecological initiatives. To examine the impact of social equity on access to green spaces. To analyze the role of cultural values in shaping perceptions of nature within an urban context. Community Engagement in Urban Ecology

38. Sustainable urban development Sustainability Sustainable urban development

39. Resource efficiency Integrated Planning Resilience Social Equity Economic Viability Key principles Compact and Connected Urban Form Community Engagement Sustainable Land Use Innovative Technology Environmental Protection Public Health

40. Integrated Planning : Coordinating land use, transport, and infrastructure to avoid conflicts and promote efficiency. Resource Efficiency : Minimizing waste and environmental impact through efficient use of water, energy, and materials. Resilience : Designing cities to withstand climate change, economic shocks, and other challenges.

41. Integrated Planning Interconnected Systems Avoiding Conflicts Efficiency Gain Reduced Infrastructure Costs Improved Accessibility Stakeholder Collaboration Data-Driven Decision Making Reduced Congestion Enhanced Environmental Performance Increased Economic Productivity

42. Resource Efficiency Water Efficiency Energy Efficiency Material Efficiency

43. Resilience Climate Change Adaptation Economic Shock Absorption Disaster Preparedness Social Equity and Inclusion Infrastructure Robustness Decentralization Monitoring and Evaluation