A transformative shift in urban ecology toward a more active and relevant future for the field and for cities

• DOI: 10.1007/s13280-024-01992-y
• Publication Date: 2024-04-21T02:59:43Z
• Authors: Niki Frantzeskaki; Daniel L. Childers; Steward Pickett; Fushcia-Ann Hoover; Pippin Anderson; Aliyu Barau; Joshua Ginsberg; Morgan Grove; Marleen Lodder; Ariel E. Lugo; Timon McPhearson; Tischa A. Muñoz-E...; Mien Quartier; Selina Schepers; Ayyoob Sharifi; Katrien van de Sijpe
• Keywords: Transformative Learning; Paradigm shift

Abstract This paper builds on the expansion of urban ecology from a biologically based discipline—ecology in city—to an increasingly interdisciplinary field—ecology transdisciplinary, knowledge to action endeavor—an for and with city. We build this “prepositional journey” by proposing transformative shift ecology, we present framework how field may continue shift. conceptualize that is state flux, needed transform into more engaged field, one includes diversity actors willing participate future their cities. In shift, these will engage, collaborate, continuous spiral → back loop, goal co producing sustainable resilient solutions myriad challenges. Our three pathways: (1) repeating ideas, information, produced diverse community agents change working together “urban sandbox”; (2) incorporation social–ecological–technological systems expanding temporally include “deep future,” where scenarios are visioning seemingly unimaginable or plausible states cities resilient; (3) space, rural areas places not yet The interrelated pathways define demonstrate power has moved beyond science realm collaborations among knowledges voices understand what while contemporary challenges envisioning futures socially, ecologically, technologically case study examples each make up discuss both limitations opportunities research transdisciplinary broadening field.