Creating Cities that Embrace Nature: A Necessity for Our Future

Given that the majority of the global population now lives in urban areas, it can be difficult to comprehend the extent to which our actions impact remote and untamed regions. In observance of Call to Earth Day 2023, our focus will be on emphasizing the crucial bond between cities and the wilderness, and unveiling the consequences that urban areas have on distant natural spaces.

This year's Call to Earth Day is set to occur on Wednesday, November 28, under the theme "Our Shared Home." It is imperative that we safeguard and foster our interconnected ecosystems, spanning from urban centers to suburbs, plains, mountains, jungles, and even beyond.

Here, we explore how our cities can be part of the great tapestry of habitats on Earth.

Keeping cities clean

Pollution continues to pose a major problem in urban centers. Cities contribute to approximately 78% of global carbon emissions and are responsible for roughly 60% of the plastic waste that ends up in our oceans. However, there are innovative solutions being implemented worldwide to address this issue.

A noteworthy example can be seen in Varanasi, a city situated along the Ganges, which is considered India's most sacred river. In Varanasi, the waterways have become overwhelmed with discarded flowers from temples. In response, a local initiative has been launched to collect and repurpose these floral waste, turning it into environmentally sustainable products.

Flowers discarded in the River Ganges during religious festivals are a source of pollution.

CNN

Through the repurposing of these blossoms, this project not only tackles river pollution and waste but also generates employment opportunities for local residents involved in transforming the discarded flowers into carbon-free incense and eco-friendly synthetic leather.

This effort highlights how cultural practice and environmental consciousness can go hand in hand.

Creating spaces for wildlife

As urbanization escalates, biodiversity loss also follows suit. It is projected that between 11 to 33 million hectares of natural habitat will be lost by 2100 due to urban development. However, across the globe, individuals are endeavoring to establish protected areas for wildlife amidst towering buildings and bustling intersections.

A yellow-crested cockatoo is spotted on a telegraph wire next to a tree in Hong Kong Park.

Noemi Cassanelli/CNN

In Hong Kong's concrete jungle, yellow-crested cockatoos have found a thriving home, even though they are non-native to the area. This is thanks to the creation of safe nesting spaces, which aim to protect the critically endangered species. This feral flock is estimated to make up approximately 10% of the remaining population, proving that cities can be havens for wildlife.

Cities worldwide are also taking steps to provide urban habitats for wildlife. For instance, the introduction of floating ecosystems in city waterways offers refuge to urban aquatic species.

As cities grow, it becomes crucial to incorporate green spaces to maintain ecological balance and protect biodiversity.

Letting animals move

The expansion of urban areas poses growing challenges for animals as they struggle to navigate their once unobstructed habitats. Even migratory routes across land and flight paths of birds are now at risk.

According to a recent report on the disruption of wild animal migration patterns in 2021, approximately one-third of the studied animals have altered their usual migration routes due to disturbances caused by human activities including hunting, agriculture, and logging.

This bridge provides a safe crossing for animals looking to avoid the busy highway in Canada's Banff National Park.

Education Images/Universal Images Group via Getty Images

Wildlife bridges, tunnels, and corridors - such as those constructed in Canadas Banff National Park - enable animals to migrate safely.

These initiatives foster coexistence between humans and wildlife, ensuring animals can roam freely without risking their lives on busy roads.

Nature-friendly buildings

With the ongoing increase in populations, cities will persist in expanding and encroaching upon natural landscapes. However, there is a way to mitigate the damage by focusing on constructing greener buildings.

The concept of nature-friendly buildings revolves around achieving a harmonious coexistence with the environment instead of dominating it. Such constructions incorporate elements like green roofs, vertical gardens, and energy-efficient designs, ultimately decreasing their impact on carbon emissions.

Urban structures don't have to be concrete towers. ACROS Fukuoka Prefectural International Hall in Fukuoka, Japan, is an example of a green building in the heart of the city.

Cities worldwide are embracing eco-conscious constructions, ranging from carbon-neutral office buildings to penthouses adorned with lush greenery. In fact, certain cities are incentivizing developers to incorporate nature-friendly elements, fostering the growth of a sustainable urban environment.

By blending the urban and natural worlds, these buildings can become a crucial part of the solution to create greener cities for future generations.

Coexisting

By implementing innovative strategies to address pollution, preserving habitats for wildlife, improving animal migration routes, and adopting eco-friendly architectural designs, urban areas can foster a harmonious and sustainable relationship between humans and the environment. These transformative measures not only nurture local ecosystems and biodiversity but also contribute to the well-being and overall standard of living for urban residents.

We will be commemorating Call to Earth Day 2023 by honoring the efforts that are leading us towards creating greener, wildlife-friendly, and stronger cities in the midst of worldwide environmental adversities. Mark your calendars for "Our Shared Home," the Call to Earth Day event taking place on November 28th, 2023.

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