Six panel data visualization in the graphical form of a comic. The first panel is of a bright sun with trees lining a street that has tall buildings on either side.
Deep Dive: Climate Adaptation in Urban Ecosystems
Active
By Climate Adaptation Science Centers
May 7, 2024
Urban Climate Adaptation Virtual Symposium
The CASC Network hosted a showcase of climate adaptation strategies and partnerships in urban and suburban ecosystems with an emphasis on environmental justice needs and collaborations. (Recordings coming)
The CASC Network hosted a showcase of climate adaptation strategies and partnerships in urban and suburban ecosystems with an emphasis on environmental justice needs and collaborations. (Recordings coming)
USGS Joins Urban Interagency Group
The USGS has joined the U.S. Global Change Research Program's Urban Interagency Group (UrbanIG) to advance global change research and climate services in urban environments.
The USGS has joined the U.S. Global Change Research Program's Urban Interagency Group (UrbanIG) to advance global change research and climate services in urban environments.
New Research Funded on Urban Areas
"Five CASC proposals addressing climate adaptation priorities in urban areas have been awarded for the 2024-2025 funding cycle! These projects will address a variety of climate adaptation challenges in previously underserved urban areas.
"Five CASC proposals addressing climate adaptation priorities in urban areas have been awarded for the 2024-2025 funding cycle! These projects will address a variety of climate adaptation challenges in previously underserved urban areas.
Urban and suburban ecosystems are home to 80% of the US population and provide habitat for a wide variety of plants, animals, and other natural and cultural resources. The USGS studies how human-dominated ecosystems can protect communities from climate change impacts, as well as how they contribute to the overall health and wellbeing of residents, including underserved communities.
What is a “Human-Dominated” or “Urban” ecosystem?
What is a “Human-Dominated” or “Urban” ecosystem?
Sources/Usage: Public Domain. View Media Details
All of Earth’s ecosystems are directly or indirectly impacted by humans. But landscapes where people live, work, and travel can become dominated by people, such that the built environment and people’s daily activities control major ecological processes. Cities, factories, and airports still have plants, animals, and ecosystems in and around them, but how animals move around, where plants can grow, and how water moves through the system are inextricably linked to human developments.
Human-dominated ecosystems can include:
- Urban: areas with human population densities >1,500 people per km2
- Suburban: areas with human population densities of >300/km2.
- Urbanizing: areas where human populations are increasing to suburban and urban densities
- Wildland Urban Interface: where people live or work directly next to natural areas
Why do we study urban ecosystems?
Why do we study urban ecosystems?
Ecological research efforts have historically focused on wilderness areas with minimal human impacts. Yet, urban ecosystems offer rich opportunities for conservation and climate adaptation efforts and are uniquely positioned to benefit a large number of people. Research efforts in urban systems also create opportunities for residents to directly encounter and participate in scientific endeavors, for example through citizen science projects.
Environmental Justice
Environmental Justice
Historic patterns of segregation and redlining have left negative impacts on many cities, leaving residents in highly urbanized communities with fewer trees, more concrete, higher temperatures and higher levels of pollution. This has profound impacts on the health and well-being of its historically underserved residents. Environmental research in heavily urbanized systems represents an opportunity to address the needs of people who have been disproportionately affected by the loss of natural areas and lack of access to beneficial ecosystem services.
Sources/Usage: Public Domain. View Media Details
Unique Climate Impacts
Unique Climate Impacts
Human-dominated ecosystems experience unique climate change challenges that threaten the health and wellbeing of both natural and human communities. For example, urban systems experience hotter surfaces due to a higher concentration of materials such as concrete, and asphalt. Not only do these materials absorb and hold heat, but they are also impenetrable to water, disrupting the natural water cycle where water is absorbed and filtered through the ground. Urban systems experience higher instances of dangerous heat and flooding. As human developments spread, they encroach into natural areas, and bring additional climate challenges like increased wildfire risk into communities. Despite its unique challenges, human-dominated ecosystems provide opportunities to reduce the negative impacts of climate change on people and ecosystems through climate adaptation efforts such as nature-based solutions.
Sources/Usage: Public Domain. View Media Details
Conservation
Conservation
Urban and suburban systems are often remarkable functional ecosystems, supporting a myriad of plants, animals, and unique ecological processes. As such, urban ecosystems support conservation goals and connect people with nature. Urban and suburban neighborhoods are home to many species from songbirds and owls to coyotes and bears. City parks serve as migration corridors and areas of refuge for larger mammals and migratory birds. Highway medians and residential yards host wildflowers and native grasses providing essential habitat for insects, birds and other species.
Sources/Usage: Public Domain. View Media Details
What is the CASC network’s unique role in urban ecosystems?
What is the CASC network’s unique role in urban ecosystems?
By explicitly including urban and urbanizing ecosystems into research priorities, we seek to reach a broader segment of the American public and address historical inequities. Through our shared mission with the Department of the Interior, we hope to fairly and equitably distribute resources, opportunities, and benefits of climate adaptation research.
Our mission considers natural and cultural resources that exist within urban spaces, intersecting impacts of urbanization with other land-use and ecological changes, and potential climate adaptation strategies specific to these systems. We consider human-dominated areas a critical feature of larger landscapes that influence landscape-scale resilience and adaptation strategies.
Learn more about CASC and USGS research on urban ecosystems through the tabs above!
Spotlight: Climate Adaptation in Cape Romain National Wildlife Refuge
Spotlight: Climate Adaptation in Cape Romain National Wildlife Refuge
The Cape Romain National Wildlife Refuge in coastal South Carolina Lowcountry is just 23 miles northeast of Charleston, South Carolina. Cape Romain is one of over 100 Urban National Wildlife Refuges in the U.S. Like many other National Wildlife Refuges along the Atlantic seaboard, Cape Romain faces sea-level rise, coastal hurricane inundations, and urban growth.
Southeast CASC researchers engage with stakeholders of the Cape Romain Partnership for Coastal Conservation to explore sea-level rise predictions, estimates of coastal hurricane inundation, and urban growth trends and forecasts. Scientists and communities work together to identify management strategies balancing South Carolina Lowcountry’s environmental wealth, rich cultural heritage, and quality of life.
Sources/Usage: Public Domain. View Media Details
Spotlight: Socioeconomic Conditions Influence Potential for Urban Vegetation to Mitigate Heatwaves
Spotlight: Socioeconomic Conditions Influence Potential for Urban Vegetation to Mitigate Heatwaves
Urban plants, such as trees, grass, and gardens, can help cool cities when temperatures are high. Yet periods of drought can stress vegetation, limiting their cooling effect.
Southwest CASC researchers used satellite data to observe how urban vegetation in Los Angeles responded to drought between 2001 and 2020 and how factors like race, income, and water use influenced this response. They found that areas with more economically disadvantaged individuals and more Hispanic and Black residents had higher instances of drought stressed vegetation. These areas thus received less cooling from plants and experienced more heatwaves.
Sources/Usage: Public Domain. View Media Details
Spotlight: How Is Urban Water Runoff Impacting Salmon?
Spotlight: How Is Urban Water Runoff Impacting Salmon?
In the Pacific Northwest, cold-water fish like salmon are vital for the fishing industry. Climate change is causing streams to become warmer and have less water during summer months, negatively impacting salmon. Similarly, water runoff from urban streets that enters drains and then rivers can cause streams to get warmer.
Northwest CASC researchers are exploring how street trees in Portland, Oregan may cool runoff water. They will measure how different trees across the city affect the temperature of water entering nearby rivers. This information will help cities across the Northwest use street trees to cool down urban water, protecting aquatic ecosystems affected by climate change and drought.
Sources/Usage: Public Domain. View Media Details
Want to get involved?
Want to get involved?
We are seeking to expand our urban ecosystems research. If you are a researcher or resource manager and you see yourself in the topic areas below, reach out to us at casc@usgs.gov to learn about potential collaboration opportunities!
- Adaptation strategies considering combined effects of urban warming and climate change
- Understanding climate change impacts on urban biodiversity, waters, habitats, and refuges
- Nature-based and green infrastructure for climate resilience
- Climate change impacts on critical resources for urban subsistence practices
- Climate equity and justice in urban and urbanizing areas
Learn More
Learn More
The CASC network seeks to join a broad array of federal programs connecting ecological and climate sciences to urban communities. These programs exist across agencies such as the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), Department of Energy (DOE) Biological and Environmental Research Program (BER), U.S. Forest Service (USFS), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association (NOAA), National Science Foundation (NSF), and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE)
Learn more about the work of our federal family below.
Learn more about the work of our federal family below.
USGS Urban Programs
USGS Urban Programs
USGS Urban Programs
USGS Urban Waters Federal Partnership
USGS Urban Waters Federal Partnership
USGS Urban Waters Federal Partnership
USGCRP Interagency Group
USGCRP Interagency Group
USGCRP Interagency Group
USFWS Urban Wildlife Conservation Program
USFWS Urban Wildlife Conservation Program
USFWS Urban Wildlife Conservation Program
BER Urban Integrated Field Laboratories
BER Urban Integrated Field Laboratories
BER Urban Integrated Field Laboratories
NOAA Consortium for Climate Risk in the Urban Northeast
NOAA Consortium for Climate Risk in the Urban Northeast
NOAA Consortium for Climate Risk in the Urban Northeast
NSF Urban Long Term Ecological Research (LTER) Program
NSF Urban Long Term Ecological Research (LTER) Program
NSF Urban Long Term Ecological Research (LTER) Program
Explore projects funded by the Climate Adaptation Science Centers on urban ecology and urban ecosystems.
Urban monarch landscape conservation design
Urban monarch landscape conservation design
How is the Amount of Irrigation Water Draining to the Boise River Changing with Urbanization and Climate Change?
How is the Amount of Irrigation Water Draining to the Boise River Changing with Urbanization and Climate Change?
Effects of Urban Coastal Armoring on Salt Marsh Sediment Supplies and Resilience to Climate Change
Salt marshes are grassy wetlands that form along sheltered coastlines. These areas provide crucial habitats for many species of birds and other animals, in addition to recreational activities and economic opportunities. Marshes also protect the coast from storms and filter runoff from the landscape, ensuring cleaner and healthier coastal waters. As climate change causes sea levels to rise salt mar
Effects of Urbanization on the Conservation Value of Forests
Urbanization in the Southeast U.S. is among the fastest in the nation, and represents a primary threat to threatened and endangered species. As urbanized areas expand, they are encroaching on preserved areas, like national wildlife refuges, and are dividing forests into smaller fragments. Forests that are located next to cities and suburbs are exposed to high temperatures, pollution, insect pests,
Improving Scenarios of Future Patterns of Urbanization, Climate Adaptation, and Landscape Change in the Southeast
Arguably the most direct, intense, and long-lasting modification that humans can make to a landscape is converting rural lands to urbanized areas. As human populations grow, the demand for urbanized areas will increase, and scientists can help natural resource managers plan for these changes by creating models that predict potential patterns of future urbanization. The Southeast U.S. is experienci
Understanding the Relationship Between Urban Trees, Stormwater Runoff, and Cold-Water Streams in a Changing Climate
In the Pacific Northwest, cold-water species like salmon are important for recreational sport fishing as well as for commercial fish production. However, climate change is causing lower and warmer summer stream flows that could decimate these fish populations. Aquatic cold-water habitats are further threatened by stormwater runoff, which moves from streets to storm drains and then is often dischar
Consequences of Urbanization and Climate Change on Human and Ecosystem Health
In this proposal we investigate how tree selection at the local scale affects biodiversity and ecosystem services (Obj. 1). We then look regionally to determine the extent to which trees in cities can be used to predict heat-related threats to rural forests (Obj. 2). We will leverage ongoing investigations of heat-related stress and pest outbreaks in urban and rural forests to develop management r
Tree Eaters: Predicting the Response of Herbivores to the Integrated Effects of Urban and Global Change
Climate in the southeastern U.S. is predicted to be changing at a slower rate than other parts of North America. However, land use change associated with urbanization is having a significant effect on wildlife populations and habitat availability. We sought to understand the effect of global warming on both beneficial and pest insects of trees. We used urban warming as a proxy for global warming a
Comparisons: fauna/flora - urban trees
Six panel data visualization in the graphical form of a comic. The first panel is of a bright sun with trees lining a street that has tall buildings on either side.
Urban Ecosystems
Urban ecosystems often feature green spaces with trees that provide shade and reduce residual heat from asphalt, as well as gardens to offer food for communities and space for pollinators.
Urban ecosystems often feature green spaces with trees that provide shade and reduce residual heat from asphalt, as well as gardens to offer food for communities and space for pollinators.
Eyes on Earth Episode 77 – ECOSTRESS and Urban Heat
We don't need a scientist to tell us that city streets catch and hold heat. Anyone who's walked barefoot from a parking lot to a beach can tell you that. What scientists can help us understand, particularly scientists who work with spaceborne, remotely sensed data, is just how big a difference there is between cities and the countryside.
We don't need a scientist to tell us that city streets catch and hold heat. Anyone who's walked barefoot from a parking lot to a beach can tell you that. What scientists can help us understand, particularly scientists who work with spaceborne, remotely sensed data, is just how big a difference there is between cities and the countryside.
Eyes on Earth Episode 55 - Urban Heat Islands of New York
Urban heat islands occur in areas containing more impervious surfaces and fewer natural environments. The day and night surface temperature is higher in urban heat islands than in surrounding areas. During heat waves, this can lead to greater numbers of heat-related illnesses and deaths.
Urban heat islands occur in areas containing more impervious surfaces and fewer natural environments. The day and night surface temperature is higher in urban heat islands than in surrounding areas. During heat waves, this can lead to greater numbers of heat-related illnesses and deaths.
The Effects of Urbanization on Stream Ecosystems (extended) Part I: Introduction
Part one of a three part series on how development can have negative effects on streams in urban and suburban areas.
Part one of a three part series on how development can have negative effects on streams in urban and suburban areas.
Effects of Urbanization on Stream Ecosystems
Development can have negative effects on streams in urban and suburban areas.
Development can have negative effects on streams in urban and suburban areas.
The Effects of Urbanization on Stream Ecosystems (extended) Part II: Study Design
Part two of a three part series on how development can have negative effects on streams in urban and suburban areas.
Part two of a three part series on how development can have negative effects on streams in urban and suburban areas.
Urban and suburban ecosystems are home to 80% of the US population and provide habitat for a wide variety of plants, animals, and other natural and cultural resources. The USGS studies how human-dominated ecosystems can protect communities from climate change impacts, as well as how they contribute to the overall health and wellbeing of residents, including underserved communities.
What is a “Human-Dominated” or “Urban” ecosystem?
What is a “Human-Dominated” or “Urban” ecosystem?
Sources/Usage: Public Domain. View Media Details
All of Earth’s ecosystems are directly or indirectly impacted by humans. But landscapes where people live, work, and travel can become dominated by people, such that the built environment and people’s daily activities control major ecological processes. Cities, factories, and airports still have plants, animals, and ecosystems in and around them, but how animals move around, where plants can grow, and how water moves through the system are inextricably linked to human developments.
Human-dominated ecosystems can include:
- Urban: areas with human population densities >1,500 people per km2
- Suburban: areas with human population densities of >300/km2.
- Urbanizing: areas where human populations are increasing to suburban and urban densities
- Wildland Urban Interface: where people live or work directly next to natural areas
Why do we study urban ecosystems?
Why do we study urban ecosystems?
Ecological research efforts have historically focused on wilderness areas with minimal human impacts. Yet, urban ecosystems offer rich opportunities for conservation and climate adaptation efforts and are uniquely positioned to benefit a large number of people. Research efforts in urban systems also create opportunities for residents to directly encounter and participate in scientific endeavors, for example through citizen science projects.
Environmental Justice
Environmental Justice
Historic patterns of segregation and redlining have left negative impacts on many cities, leaving residents in highly urbanized communities with fewer trees, more concrete, higher temperatures and higher levels of pollution. This has profound impacts on the health and well-being of its historically underserved residents. Environmental research in heavily urbanized systems represents an opportunity to address the needs of people who have been disproportionately affected by the loss of natural areas and lack of access to beneficial ecosystem services.
Sources/Usage: Public Domain. View Media Details
Unique Climate Impacts
Unique Climate Impacts
Human-dominated ecosystems experience unique climate change challenges that threaten the health and wellbeing of both natural and human communities. For example, urban systems experience hotter surfaces due to a higher concentration of materials such as concrete, and asphalt. Not only do these materials absorb and hold heat, but they are also impenetrable to water, disrupting the natural water cycle where water is absorbed and filtered through the ground. Urban systems experience higher instances of dangerous heat and flooding. As human developments spread, they encroach into natural areas, and bring additional climate challenges like increased wildfire risk into communities. Despite its unique challenges, human-dominated ecosystems provide opportunities to reduce the negative impacts of climate change on people and ecosystems through climate adaptation efforts such as nature-based solutions.
Sources/Usage: Public Domain. View Media Details
Conservation
Conservation
Urban and suburban systems are often remarkable functional ecosystems, supporting a myriad of plants, animals, and unique ecological processes. As such, urban ecosystems support conservation goals and connect people with nature. Urban and suburban neighborhoods are home to many species from songbirds and owls to coyotes and bears. City parks serve as migration corridors and areas of refuge for larger mammals and migratory birds. Highway medians and residential yards host wildflowers and native grasses providing essential habitat for insects, birds and other species.
Sources/Usage: Public Domain. View Media Details
What is the CASC network’s unique role in urban ecosystems?
What is the CASC network’s unique role in urban ecosystems?
By explicitly including urban and urbanizing ecosystems into research priorities, we seek to reach a broader segment of the American public and address historical inequities. Through our shared mission with the Department of the Interior, we hope to fairly and equitably distribute resources, opportunities, and benefits of climate adaptation research.
Our mission considers natural and cultural resources that exist within urban spaces, intersecting impacts of urbanization with other land-use and ecological changes, and potential climate adaptation strategies specific to these systems. We consider human-dominated areas a critical feature of larger landscapes that influence landscape-scale resilience and adaptation strategies.
Learn more about CASC and USGS research on urban ecosystems through the tabs above!
Spotlight: Climate Adaptation in Cape Romain National Wildlife Refuge
Spotlight: Climate Adaptation in Cape Romain National Wildlife Refuge
The Cape Romain National Wildlife Refuge in coastal South Carolina Lowcountry is just 23 miles northeast of Charleston, South Carolina. Cape Romain is one of over 100 Urban National Wildlife Refuges in the U.S. Like many other National Wildlife Refuges along the Atlantic seaboard, Cape Romain faces sea-level rise, coastal hurricane inundations, and urban growth.
Southeast CASC researchers engage with stakeholders of the Cape Romain Partnership for Coastal Conservation to explore sea-level rise predictions, estimates of coastal hurricane inundation, and urban growth trends and forecasts. Scientists and communities work together to identify management strategies balancing South Carolina Lowcountry’s environmental wealth, rich cultural heritage, and quality of life.
Sources/Usage: Public Domain. View Media Details
Spotlight: Socioeconomic Conditions Influence Potential for Urban Vegetation to Mitigate Heatwaves
Spotlight: Socioeconomic Conditions Influence Potential for Urban Vegetation to Mitigate Heatwaves
Urban plants, such as trees, grass, and gardens, can help cool cities when temperatures are high. Yet periods of drought can stress vegetation, limiting their cooling effect.
Southwest CASC researchers used satellite data to observe how urban vegetation in Los Angeles responded to drought between 2001 and 2020 and how factors like race, income, and water use influenced this response. They found that areas with more economically disadvantaged individuals and more Hispanic and Black residents had higher instances of drought stressed vegetation. These areas thus received less cooling from plants and experienced more heatwaves.
Sources/Usage: Public Domain. View Media Details
Spotlight: How Is Urban Water Runoff Impacting Salmon?
Spotlight: How Is Urban Water Runoff Impacting Salmon?
In the Pacific Northwest, cold-water fish like salmon are vital for the fishing industry. Climate change is causing streams to become warmer and have less water during summer months, negatively impacting salmon. Similarly, water runoff from urban streets that enters drains and then rivers can cause streams to get warmer.
Northwest CASC researchers are exploring how street trees in Portland, Oregan may cool runoff water. They will measure how different trees across the city affect the temperature of water entering nearby rivers. This information will help cities across the Northwest use street trees to cool down urban water, protecting aquatic ecosystems affected by climate change and drought.
Sources/Usage: Public Domain. View Media Details
Want to get involved?
Want to get involved?
We are seeking to expand our urban ecosystems research. If you are a researcher or resource manager and you see yourself in the topic areas below, reach out to us at casc@usgs.gov to learn about potential collaboration opportunities!
- Adaptation strategies considering combined effects of urban warming and climate change
- Understanding climate change impacts on urban biodiversity, waters, habitats, and refuges
- Nature-based and green infrastructure for climate resilience
- Climate change impacts on critical resources for urban subsistence practices
- Climate equity and justice in urban and urbanizing areas
Learn More
Learn More
The CASC network seeks to join a broad array of federal programs connecting ecological and climate sciences to urban communities. These programs exist across agencies such as the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), Department of Energy (DOE) Biological and Environmental Research Program (BER), U.S. Forest Service (USFS), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association (NOAA), National Science Foundation (NSF), and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE)
Learn more about the work of our federal family below.
Learn more about the work of our federal family below.
USGS Urban Programs
USGS Urban Programs
USGS Urban Programs
USGS Urban Waters Federal Partnership
USGS Urban Waters Federal Partnership
USGS Urban Waters Federal Partnership
USGCRP Interagency Group
USGCRP Interagency Group
USGCRP Interagency Group
USFWS Urban Wildlife Conservation Program
USFWS Urban Wildlife Conservation Program
USFWS Urban Wildlife Conservation Program
BER Urban Integrated Field Laboratories
BER Urban Integrated Field Laboratories
BER Urban Integrated Field Laboratories
NOAA Consortium for Climate Risk in the Urban Northeast
NOAA Consortium for Climate Risk in the Urban Northeast
NOAA Consortium for Climate Risk in the Urban Northeast
NSF Urban Long Term Ecological Research (LTER) Program
NSF Urban Long Term Ecological Research (LTER) Program
NSF Urban Long Term Ecological Research (LTER) Program
Explore projects funded by the Climate Adaptation Science Centers on urban ecology and urban ecosystems.
Urban monarch landscape conservation design
Urban monarch landscape conservation design
How is the Amount of Irrigation Water Draining to the Boise River Changing with Urbanization and Climate Change?
How is the Amount of Irrigation Water Draining to the Boise River Changing with Urbanization and Climate Change?
Effects of Urban Coastal Armoring on Salt Marsh Sediment Supplies and Resilience to Climate Change
Salt marshes are grassy wetlands that form along sheltered coastlines. These areas provide crucial habitats for many species of birds and other animals, in addition to recreational activities and economic opportunities. Marshes also protect the coast from storms and filter runoff from the landscape, ensuring cleaner and healthier coastal waters. As climate change causes sea levels to rise salt mar
Effects of Urbanization on the Conservation Value of Forests
Urbanization in the Southeast U.S. is among the fastest in the nation, and represents a primary threat to threatened and endangered species. As urbanized areas expand, they are encroaching on preserved areas, like national wildlife refuges, and are dividing forests into smaller fragments. Forests that are located next to cities and suburbs are exposed to high temperatures, pollution, insect pests,
Improving Scenarios of Future Patterns of Urbanization, Climate Adaptation, and Landscape Change in the Southeast
Arguably the most direct, intense, and long-lasting modification that humans can make to a landscape is converting rural lands to urbanized areas. As human populations grow, the demand for urbanized areas will increase, and scientists can help natural resource managers plan for these changes by creating models that predict potential patterns of future urbanization. The Southeast U.S. is experienci
Understanding the Relationship Between Urban Trees, Stormwater Runoff, and Cold-Water Streams in a Changing Climate
In the Pacific Northwest, cold-water species like salmon are important for recreational sport fishing as well as for commercial fish production. However, climate change is causing lower and warmer summer stream flows that could decimate these fish populations. Aquatic cold-water habitats are further threatened by stormwater runoff, which moves from streets to storm drains and then is often dischar
Consequences of Urbanization and Climate Change on Human and Ecosystem Health
In this proposal we investigate how tree selection at the local scale affects biodiversity and ecosystem services (Obj. 1). We then look regionally to determine the extent to which trees in cities can be used to predict heat-related threats to rural forests (Obj. 2). We will leverage ongoing investigations of heat-related stress and pest outbreaks in urban and rural forests to develop management r
Tree Eaters: Predicting the Response of Herbivores to the Integrated Effects of Urban and Global Change
Climate in the southeastern U.S. is predicted to be changing at a slower rate than other parts of North America. However, land use change associated with urbanization is having a significant effect on wildlife populations and habitat availability. We sought to understand the effect of global warming on both beneficial and pest insects of trees. We used urban warming as a proxy for global warming a
Comparisons: fauna/flora - urban trees
Six panel data visualization in the graphical form of a comic. The first panel is of a bright sun with trees lining a street that has tall buildings on either side.
Six panel data visualization in the graphical form of a comic. The first panel is of a bright sun with trees lining a street that has tall buildings on either side.
Urban Ecosystems
Urban ecosystems often feature green spaces with trees that provide shade and reduce residual heat from asphalt, as well as gardens to offer food for communities and space for pollinators.
Urban ecosystems often feature green spaces with trees that provide shade and reduce residual heat from asphalt, as well as gardens to offer food for communities and space for pollinators.
Eyes on Earth Episode 77 – ECOSTRESS and Urban Heat
We don't need a scientist to tell us that city streets catch and hold heat. Anyone who's walked barefoot from a parking lot to a beach can tell you that. What scientists can help us understand, particularly scientists who work with spaceborne, remotely sensed data, is just how big a difference there is between cities and the countryside.
We don't need a scientist to tell us that city streets catch and hold heat. Anyone who's walked barefoot from a parking lot to a beach can tell you that. What scientists can help us understand, particularly scientists who work with spaceborne, remotely sensed data, is just how big a difference there is between cities and the countryside.
Eyes on Earth Episode 55 - Urban Heat Islands of New York
Urban heat islands occur in areas containing more impervious surfaces and fewer natural environments. The day and night surface temperature is higher in urban heat islands than in surrounding areas. During heat waves, this can lead to greater numbers of heat-related illnesses and deaths.
Urban heat islands occur in areas containing more impervious surfaces and fewer natural environments. The day and night surface temperature is higher in urban heat islands than in surrounding areas. During heat waves, this can lead to greater numbers of heat-related illnesses and deaths.
The Effects of Urbanization on Stream Ecosystems (extended) Part I: Introduction
Part one of a three part series on how development can have negative effects on streams in urban and suburban areas.
Part one of a three part series on how development can have negative effects on streams in urban and suburban areas.
Effects of Urbanization on Stream Ecosystems
Development can have negative effects on streams in urban and suburban areas.
Development can have negative effects on streams in urban and suburban areas.
The Effects of Urbanization on Stream Ecosystems (extended) Part II: Study Design
Part two of a three part series on how development can have negative effects on streams in urban and suburban areas.
Part two of a three part series on how development can have negative effects on streams in urban and suburban areas.