Urban ecology is the study of the ecological processes in urban environments, as opposed to natural environments. This includes all aspects of the relationships of organisms found in urban areas. Studies also include considerations for the ecological sustainability of cities, reducing pollution, and managing Earth’s population.

As cities continue to grow, and more of our natural areas disappear, urban ecology is getting increasing attention from scientists and environmentalists. It is important to study how organisms interact in urban settings in order to design living spaces for the cohabitation of all future life on Earth. Not just human life.

For humans, as part of the urban ecosystem, the main problems encountered are drinking water supply, energy supply, drainage, waste disposal, land use change, pollution, and the mitigation of natural disasters. It is expected that these issues will be of growing concern as many urban areas experience population increases due to climate change refugees and migrations, and other climate change crises.

In addition to manipulating land to suit human needs, natural water resources such as rivers and streams are also modified in urban ecological settings in the form of artificial canals, dams, and other water diversion measures. This has a significant impact on all aquatic species. Currently, 50% of the global population live in an urban setting, compared to the 1800s where only 2% lived in an urban setting. This rapid change has caused major disruptions to ecosystems across the globe. Until the 1900s, life in a city came with a decreased life expectancy as people there were exposed to more violence, lower quality food, increased air pollution, lack of sanitation and clean drinking water. Municipalities today continue to consider these topics top priority for city dwellers.

But what about the non-human species who share our urban environments? Increased urbanization results in habitat degradation and fragmentation, resulting in a reduction in species diversity and increases the prevalence of invasive species. Plants and animals face some of the same challenges as the human inhabitants of an urban area such as water and food security. Nearly constant light and noise negatively impacts urban animal species as well. There are, however, some species that have adapted well to an urban environment such as rats, bats, raccoons, coyotes, and several bird species like pigeons, crows, and some sparrows. Insects of all kinds also thrive in the urban environment. 

Going forward, urban planners are realizing that they need to consider ways in which to minimize the urban effects on the surrounding environment and consider mitigations practices that will optimize for ecological activity and diversity. After all, as humans and a host of other species, we’re all in this together.