Urban Ecosystem Services III

A special issue of Land (ISSN 2073-445X). This special issue belongs to the section "Urban Contexts and Urban-Rural Interactions".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 October 2022) | Viewed by 29560

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Special Issue Editors

School of Arts, University of Gloucestershire, Francis Close Hall Campus, Cheltenham GL50 4AZ, UK
Interests: urban ecosystem services and disservices; nature-based solutions; biophilic urbanism; urban ecology; green infrastructure; urban agriculture; urban green spaces and health; ecological landscape design; sustainable planning; cultural landscapes; landscape architecture
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Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

We are pleased to announce the Special Issue of Land on “Urban Ecosystem Services III”.

Urbanization, population growth, and climate change have negative impacts on ecosystem services (ES) in cities. Assessing and estimating the losses of ES due to rapid urban expansion plays a significant role in sustainable urban development [4]. However, studies on the effects of urbanization on ES have shown inconsistent and sometimes contradictory results [1–3].

Modern compact cities have been identified as having a high density and mixed-use pattern. Their features are believed to contribute to a form of functional urban design that supports sustainability and restresses the importance of ES. Urban green space plays a vital role in urban design and has an impact on how compact cities have developed; thus, a scientific debate on the amount of greenery individuals require and to what extent contemporary approaches address this has been triggered. Given the meaningful influence of socio-ecological systems in cities, future cities should integrate them in their urban planning, management, and governance [3,5]. Following the second Special Issue on urban ES, this Special Issue aims to update existing knowledge and identify gaps and potential areas for future research.

In particular, this Special Issue seeks to explore innovative approaches for enhancing urban sustainability and ES in the face of increasing urbanization concerns. Areas of interest include, but are not limited to, the following:

  • Assessing natural capital and ecosystem services;
  • Compact cities;
  • Ecology in cities;
  • Ecosystem services, ecosystem disservices, and well-being;
  • Ecosystem service degradation;
  • Edible green infrastructure;
  • Green infrastructure;
  • Green space;
  • Green walls;
  • Healing garden design;
  • Landscape architecture and urban design;
  • Mapping and assessing ecosystem services;
  • Modelling ecosystem services;
  • Nature-based solutions;
  • Social-ecological systems;
  • Sustainable urbanism;
  • Urban agriculture;
  • Urban biodiversity and ecosystem services;
  • Urban biosphere reserve;
  • Urban ecosystems;
  • Urban forest;
  • Urban geography and development;
  • Urban–rural interface;
  • Urban sustainability.

References

  1. Wang, J.; Zhou, W.; Pickett, S.T.A.; Yu, W.; Li, W. A multiscale analysis of urbanization effects on ecosystem services supply in an urban megaregion.  Total Environ.2019662, 824–833.
  2. Russo, A.; Cirella, G.T. Edible Green Infrastructure 4.0 for Food Security and Well-being: Campania Region, Italy. In International Guidelines on Urban and Territorial Planning. Compendium of Inspiring Practices: Health Edition; Quinlan, V., Ed.; UN Habitat, HS/080/18E: Nairobi, Kenya, 2018; p. 72.
  3. Russo, A.; Cirella, G.T. Modern Compact Cities: How Much Greenery Do We Need?  J. Environ. Res. Public Health201815, 2180.
  4. Das, M.; Das, A. Dynamics of Urbanization and its impact on Urban Ecosystem Services (UESs): A study of a medium size town of West Bengal, Eastern India.  Urban Manag.2019, 1–15.
  5. Schewenius, M.; McPhearson, T.; Elmqvist, T. Opportunities for Increasing Resilience and Sustainability of Urban Social–Ecological Systems: Insights from the URBES and the Cities and Biodiversity Outlook Projects. Ambio201443, 434–444.

Dr. Alessio Russo
Prof. Dr. Giuseppe T. Cirella
Guest Editors

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Keywords

  • urbanization
  • ecosystem services
  • urban ecology
  • green infrastructure
  • green space
  • resiliency
  • sustainability
  • urban trees
  • nature-based solutions
  • ecosystem disservices

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Published Papers (12 papers)

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Editorial

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4 pages, 206 KiB  
Editorial
Urban Ecosystem Services: Advancements in Urban Green Development
by Alessio Russo and Giuseppe T. Cirella
Land 2023, 12(3), 522; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/land12030522 - 21 Feb 2023
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1997
Abstract
Urban ecosystems are under pressure as a result of rapid urbanization [...] Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Urban Ecosystem Services III)

Research

Jump to: Editorial, Review

14 pages, 2504 KiB  
Article
Analysis of Anthropogenic Disturbances of Green Spaces along an Urban–Rural Gradient of the City of Bujumbura (Burundi)
by Henri Kabanyegeye, Yannick Useni Sikuzani, Kouagou Raoul Sambieni, Didier Mbarushimana, Tatien Masharabu and Jan Bogaert
Land 2023, 12(2), 465; https://doi.org/10.3390/land12020465 - 12 Feb 2023
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1486
Abstract
Bujumbura city has diversified but unevenly distributed green spaces. The typology and anthropogenic disturbances of these green spaces are still unknown. This study presents a typology of green spaces along the urban–rural gradient through a literature review. It assesses the presence of anthropogenic [...] Read more.
Bujumbura city has diversified but unevenly distributed green spaces. The typology and anthropogenic disturbances of these green spaces are still unknown. This study presents a typology of green spaces along the urban–rural gradient through a literature review. It assesses the presence of anthropogenic disturbances through inventories in 100 m × 100 m grids. Data reveal that Bujumbura’s green spaces are made up of green squares concentrated exclusively in urban areas, cemeteries present in peri-urban areas and sports green spaces observable all along the urbanization gradient. These green spaces are more exposed to trampling, which is more present in administrative entities with a peri-urban morphological status, as opposed to various constructions in administrative entities with an urban status. Finally, significative pairwise associations of anthropogenic disturbances were observed. The results show the need to protect these green spaces from all kinds of anthropogenic disturbances by raising the eco-responsible awareness of the population and the municipal authorities. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Urban Ecosystem Services III)
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21 pages, 3608 KiB  
Article
Barriers to Native Plantings in Private Residential Yards
by Amélie Davis and Jessica Stoyko
Land 2023, 12(1), 114; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/land12010114 - 30 Dec 2022
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2154
Abstract
In urban areas, private yards can make up large portions of the available “green space” which can be used to provide resources for many species, including birds, and pollinators. If residents are persuaded or willing to plant certain native plants, the aggregate effect [...] Read more.
In urban areas, private yards can make up large portions of the available “green space” which can be used to provide resources for many species, including birds, and pollinators. If residents are persuaded or willing to plant certain native plants, the aggregate effect of these plantings could be hugely beneficial for key pollinator species. The objectives of this study are to uncover impediments to adding different types of pollinator-beneficial plants to private yards, as well as ascertain which incentives to plant these native plants might be most persuasive, and finally determine if there are procedural knowledge gaps in how to plant, care for, or where to purchase three pollinator-beneficial plants. In this study, we randomly selected properties in two counties in southwestern Ohio along two gradients: parcel size and parcel valuation (as a proxy for income). Two hundred surveys were distributed and 113 were returned (57% response rate). We find that, in aggregate, respondents do not have a strong intent to plant these native plants, especially Asclepias syriaca (a milkweed that serves as host plant to the iconic monarch butterfly; Danaus plexippus) and, surprisingly, the intent to plant these does not differ statistically even when help with costs, labor, or the provision of online resources are offered. We also find that the reported knowledge of where to purchase wildflowers is significantly higher than how to care for them and how to plant them. Lastly, respondents are much more confident in how to take care of trees compared to the three pollinator-beneficial plants shown in the survey. We discuss the implications of these findings for outreach and extension purposes. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Urban Ecosystem Services III)
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16 pages, 1302 KiB  
Article
Socioeconomic and Environmental Benefits of Expanding Urban Green Areas: A Joint Application of i-Tree and LCA Approaches
by Mariana Oliveira, Remo Santagata, Serena Kaiser, Yanxin Liu, Chiara Vassillo, Patrizia Ghisellini, Gengyuan Liu and Sergio Ulgiati
Land 2022, 11(12), 2106; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/land11122106 - 22 Nov 2022
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2502
Abstract
Green infrastructures deliver countless functions for counteracting climate change, air pollution, floods, and heat islands, contributing at the same time to water and carbon recycling as well as to renewable energies and feedstock provisioning. Properly addressing such environmental problems would require huge investments [...] Read more.
Green infrastructures deliver countless functions for counteracting climate change, air pollution, floods, and heat islands, contributing at the same time to water and carbon recycling as well as to renewable energies and feedstock provisioning. Properly addressing such environmental problems would require huge investments that could be decreased thanks to the further implementation of urban forests. Local administrations are designing participative projects to improve territories and their living conditions. The i-Tree Canopy modelling tool and the life cycle assessment method are jointly applied to evaluate the potential benefits of increasing tree coverage within the boundaries of the Metropolitan City of Naples, Southern Italy. Results highlighted that tree coverage could increase by about 2.4 million trees, thus generating 51% more benefits in pollutants removal, carbon sequestration and stormwater management. The benefits are also explored and confirmed by means of the life cycle assessment method. The potential tree cover is expected to provide a total annual economic benefit of USD 55 million, purchasing power parity value adjusted, representing USD 18 per citizen and USD 99,117 per square kilometre of implemented urban forest. These results can support a potential replication elsewhere and provide a reference for the sustainable improvement of cities by expanding urban green areas. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Urban Ecosystem Services III)
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29 pages, 19607 KiB  
Article
A Combined Methods of Senile Trees Inventory in Sustainable Urban Greenery Management on the Example of the City of Sandomierz (Poland)
by Wojciech Durlak, Margot Dudkiewicz and Małgorzata Milecka
Land 2022, 11(11), 1914; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/land11111914 - 27 Oct 2022
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 3282
Abstract
The sustainable management of urban greenery consists, among others, of the inventory, valuation, and protection of trees of monumental size. This article presents the results of the inspection of 13 large trees growing in the city of Sandomierz, located in south-eastern Poland. The [...] Read more.
The sustainable management of urban greenery consists, among others, of the inventory, valuation, and protection of trees of monumental size. This article presents the results of the inspection of 13 large trees growing in the city of Sandomierz, located in south-eastern Poland. The examined specimens belong to five species: Norway maple (Acer platanoides L.), common ash (Fraxinus excelsior L.), white poplar (Populus alba L.), English oak (Quercus robur L.), and small-leaved lime (Tilia cordata Mill.). The health condition of the trees was assessed using acoustic and electrical tomography, as well as chlorophyll fluorescence tests. Diagnostics employing sound waves and electrical resistivity were crucial in assessing tree health. The data based on chlorophyll fluorescence confirmed the results obtained during tomographic examinations. It was an innovative combination of three non-invasive methods of examining the health condition of trees and their valuation. Economic valuation allows us to reduce to common denominator issues that are often difficult to decide due to different perspectives—expressing the economic value of trees. Calculating the value of trees allowed us to show the city’s inhabitants the value of trees that are of monumental size. Thanks to the cooperation of scientists with the city authorities, an economic plan for trees of monumental size was created, distinguished by an individualized and holistic approach to each specimen covered by the study. The database prepared has a chance to become an effective management instrument used by environmental protection authorities and a source of knowledge and education for the city’s inhabitants. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Urban Ecosystem Services III)
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22 pages, 5898 KiB  
Article
Diagnosis and Prioritization of Vulnerable Areas of Urban Ecosystem Regulation Services
by Dongwoo Lee, Kyushik Oh and Jungeun Suh
Land 2022, 11(10), 1804; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/land11101804 - 14 Oct 2022
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 1213
Abstract
Rapid urbanization and population growth have led to drastic degradation of urban ecosystem regulation services (ERS). Urgently needed is the identification of vulnerable areas where ERS are being intensively deteriorated, and preparation of measures to respond to them. This study developed a framework [...] Read more.
Rapid urbanization and population growth have led to drastic degradation of urban ecosystem regulation services (ERS). Urgently needed is the identification of vulnerable areas where ERS are being intensively deteriorated, and preparation of measures to respond to them. This study developed a framework to diagnose and prioritize vulnerable areas of urban ERS. The vulnerability of urban ERS that include carbon storage capacity, flood-risk mitigation capacity, and heat stress reduction capacity was diagnosed with a resolution of 100 m × 100 m grid. Priority areas to improve urban ERS were delineated using hot spot analysis, and the diagnosed results of the urban ERS were categorized by eight combination types including exposure, sensitivity, and adaptability. The spatial and societal problems included in the priority areas were further investigated by overlaying hot spot areas with eight combination maps. Finally, spatial management measures for the priority areas were suggested based on the analysis results. From the detailed diagnosis results of the vulnerable ERS areas, this study provides a framework to link the concept of ERS vulnerability with urban planning. Furthermore, effective spatial planning guidelines can be prepared to improve urban ERS by spatially delineating priority areas to improve urban ERS vulnerability. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Urban Ecosystem Services III)
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17 pages, 3431 KiB  
Article
Research on Digital Experience and Satisfaction Preference of Plant Community Design in Urban Green Space
by Xinyi Chen, Yuyang Wang, Tao Huang and Zhengsong Lin
Land 2022, 11(9), 1411; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/land11091411 - 27 Aug 2022
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2321
Abstract
In the context of carbon neutrality, it is increasingly important to reduce carbon and increase sinks, and urban green spaces play an important role in carbon sinks. In this paper, we used virtual reality (VR) and photoplethysmographic (PPG) technology to evaluate subject satisfaction [...] Read more.
In the context of carbon neutrality, it is increasingly important to reduce carbon and increase sinks, and urban green spaces play an important role in carbon sinks. In this paper, we used virtual reality (VR) and photoplethysmographic (PPG) technology to evaluate subject satisfaction regarding urban green space plant community landscape scenes using physiological eye movement and heart rate variability (HRV) data and psychological data obtained according to positive and negative emotional adjectives (PANA). The results of the study showed the following. (1) The physiological data showed the highest visual interest in single-layer grassland. The compound layer of tree-shrub-grass composite woodland communities resulted in the strongest comfort level. (2) The psychological subjective satisfaction evaluation scores were, in descending order: tree-shrub-grass composite woodland (T-S-G) > single-layer grassland (G) > tree-grass composite woodland (T-G) > single-layer woodland (T). (3) The correlation between interest, comfort, and subjective satisfaction was significant, which verified the feasibility of the model of “interest + comfort + subjective evaluation = comprehensive satisfaction”. The results of the study provide theoretical guidance for landscape design based on human perception preferences in the context of carbon neutrality as well as for the implementation of sustainable landscapes to achieve a win–win situation in which carbon sequestration and oxygen release benefits and aesthetics can coexist. The combined physiological and psychological evaluation model can also be applied to other landscapes. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Urban Ecosystem Services III)
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15 pages, 2170 KiB  
Article
Rediscovering the Scaling Law of Urban Land from a Multi-Scale Perspective—A Case Study of Wuhan
by Qingsong He, Lingping Huang and Jing Li
Land 2022, 11(6), 914; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/land11060914 - 15 Jun 2022
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1474
Abstract
The law of urban scaling implies that there is a universally applicable nonlinear scaling relationship between population size and urban indicators, which is a method of quantitative analysis that can reflect the growth law and internal logic of the urban system. However, most [...] Read more.
The law of urban scaling implies that there is a universally applicable nonlinear scaling relationship between population size and urban indicators, which is a method of quantitative analysis that can reflect the growth law and internal logic of the urban system. However, most present research is conducted at the municipal scale, and studies of scaling law in the inner-city system are scarce, especially from the perspective of compact urban form development. The goal of this paper is to discover the scaling law within urban systems from a multi-scale perspective. Through the empirical analysis of Wuhan, this paper examines the internal scale law of the urban system from the municipal and district scales. Moreover, we use the landscape expansion index to perform spatial autocorrelation analysis. In this way, we assess the relationship between the compactness of urban morphological development and the urban scaling law. The results indicate that the temporal scaling law on the city scale has a more significant linear law than the single-year scaling law. The analysis also shows the scaling law relationship within the inner-city system. Nevertheless, there is a deviation between the temporal scaling law and the cross-section scaling law. Namely, the time series development of a district does not follow the section scaling law of the urban system. Furthermore, the urban scaling law shows a negative correlation with the compactness of the urban form development. It is crucial to understand the current economic development and resource endowment of an urban system in the urbanization process, as it significantly contributes to urban development and regional coordinated planning. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Urban Ecosystem Services III)
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28 pages, 3254 KiB  
Article
Relational Values of Cultural Ecosystem Services in an Urban Conservation Area: The Case of Table Mountain National Park, South Africa
by Gregg C. Brill, Pippin M. L. Anderson and Patrick O’Farrell
Land 2022, 11(5), 603; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/land11050603 - 20 Apr 2022
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2759
Abstract
This paper assesses how residents of a developing city in the Global South, recognize and value the multiple diverse cultural ecosystem services associated with freshwater ecosystems, as provided by different landscape features originating in an urban protected area. This objective was achieved by [...] Read more.
This paper assesses how residents of a developing city in the Global South, recognize and value the multiple diverse cultural ecosystem services associated with freshwater ecosystems, as provided by different landscape features originating in an urban protected area. This objective was achieved by establishing who benefits from freshwater ecosystem services, uncovering the spatial and temporal relationships these beneficiaries have with landscape features, and determining the relational nature of ecosystem service values, benefits and trade-offs as experienced by the different users. Recreation, aesthetic and existence services were valued highest by respondents. People who live closer to the park use, and benefit from, the park’s freshwater ecosystems more frequently than those living further away. Park visitors want ease of access in terms of distance to specific freshwater ecosystems, and then once there, they want a diversity of activity options, such as recreation opportunities, as well as places to reflect and meditate. This study of cultural ecosystem services improves our understanding of social-ecological systems in urban areas by exploring the relationships between park and people which can guide management to ensure equitable and sustainable ecosystem service provision to all city residents. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Urban Ecosystem Services III)
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13 pages, 11185 KiB  
Article
Fostering the Resiliency of Urban Landscape through the Sustainable Spatial Planning of Green Spaces
by Donatella Valente, María Victoria Marinelli, Erica Maria Lovello, Cosimo Gaspare Giannuzzi and Irene Petrosillo
Land 2022, 11(3), 367; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/land11030367 - 03 Mar 2022
Cited by 11 | Viewed by 2516
Abstract
Background: It has been recognized that urban green spaces play a crucial role in providing many landscape services. The research aimed at identifying the main knowledge gaps in this framework and to support urban planning, taking into account the spatial configuration of green [...] Read more.
Background: It has been recognized that urban green spaces play a crucial role in providing many landscape services. The research aimed at identifying the main knowledge gaps in this framework and to support urban planning, taking into account the spatial configuration of green areas through a pilot study area, and mapping urban landscape services. Methods: In this research, (1) a systematic review, analyzed through a network analysis; (2) an urban pilot study to map the Urban Green Index and, jointly, the spatial composition and configuration of urban green areas, through the integration of three landscape metrics; and (3) the mapping of Urban Landscape Services Index have been carried out. Results: The 37% of the reviewed articles focused on regulating services, while the network analysis identified four clusters. The total Urban Green Index was 26%, and some districts showed a percentage that surpassed it. The total overall Green Connectivity Index was 21%. Some districts were the best providers of landscape services. Conclusions: This research was in line with the EU Joint Science for Policy Report suggesting giving emphasis to the spatial pattern map of green spaces in European cities to provide spatial data available for decision-makers in relation to GI deployment. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Urban Ecosystem Services III)
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29 pages, 15841 KiB  
Article
Socio-Cultural Appropriateness of the Use of Historic Persian Gardens for Modern Urban Edible Gardens
by Majid Amani-Beni, Gaodi Xie, Qingjuan Yang, Alessio Russo and Mohammad Reza Khalilnezhad
Land 2022, 11(1), 38; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/land11010038 - 27 Dec 2021
Cited by 16 | Viewed by 3922
Abstract
Historic gardens have the ability to provide several ecosystem services in cities, including provisioning services (i.e., food production). The historic gardens in Iran (known as “Persian Gardens”) have never been considered as places that could be used for food production. As a result, [...] Read more.
Historic gardens have the ability to provide several ecosystem services in cities, including provisioning services (i.e., food production). The historic gardens in Iran (known as “Persian Gardens”) have never been considered as places that could be used for food production. As a result, the purpose of this paper is to investigate whether the Iranian historic gardens’ spatial and structural layout is suitable for modern urban food gardening. We conducted field studies in six recognized Persian gardens in four provinces of Iran via qualitative analysis according to socio-cultural guidelines drawn from a literature review. The results suggested that combining the elements of formal landscape design, non-edible decorative plants, and traditional artwork would increase the Persian gardens’ attractiveness. Regarding encouraging users to become involved in urban gardening, we found that separating productive units containing edible plants from public units using a central meeting spot populated by aesthetic plants and items may attract ordinary visitors who are interested in gardening without disturbing anyone’s activities. Furthermore, the Persian gardens’ multifunctionality, aesthetic value, and health-promoting qualities constitute a considerable historic achievement in garden design, making the gardens a suitable model for edible urban gardening. The results of this study can enhance our understanding of the Persian gardens’ spatial and structural design and provide practical implications for sustainable urban planning and landscape architecture. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Urban Ecosystem Services III)
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Review

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17 pages, 2311 KiB  
Review
Dynamic and Heterogeneity of Urban Heat Island: A Theoretical Framework in the Context of Urban Ecology
by Zahra Mokhtari, Shahindokht Barghjelveh, Romina Sayahnia, Salman Qureshi and Alessio Russo
Land 2022, 11(8), 1155; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/land11081155 - 26 Jul 2022
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2142
Abstract
The dynamic and heterogeneity of the urban heat island (UHI) is the result of the interactions between biotic, physical, social, and built components. Urban ecology as a transdisciplinary science can provide a context to understand the complex social–biophysical issues such as the thermal [...] Read more.
The dynamic and heterogeneity of the urban heat island (UHI) is the result of the interactions between biotic, physical, social, and built components. Urban ecology as a transdisciplinary science can provide a context to understand the complex social–biophysical issues such as the thermal environment in cities. This study aimed at developing a theoretical framework to elucidate the interactions between the social–biophysical patterns and processes mediating UHI. To do it, we conducted a theoretical review to delineate UHI complexity using the concept of dynamic heterogeneity of pattern, process, and function in UHI phenomenon. Furthermore, a hypothetical heterogeneity spiral (i.e., driver-outcome spiral) related to the UHI was conceived as a model template. The adopted theoretical framework can provide a holistic vision of the UHI, contributing to a better understanding of UHI’s spatial variations in long-term studies. Through the developed framework, we can devise appropriate methodological approaches (i.e., statistic-based techniques) to develop prediction models of UHI’s spatial heterogeneity. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Urban Ecosystem Services III)
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