Urban

Today, for the first time in the history of Humankind urban dwellers outnumber rural residents. Urban places, towns and cities, are of fundamental importance – for the distribution of population within countries; in the organization of economic production, distribution and exchange; in the structuring of social reproduction and cultural life; and in the allocation and exercise of power.

This textbook answers important questions about the ecological structure, functions and socio-ecological development of cities worldwide. It explains ecological challenges for cities of the 21st century such as resource efficiency, climate change, moderation of quality of life and resilience. The book combines theories of urban development and ecology with practical applications and case studiest worldwide. It shows that cities are by far not only problem areas but also offer great potential for a good life and that the various urban ecosystems can make a considerable contribution to this. The "eco-city" is a real goal that can be pursued step by step in a targeted manner, taking into account the local and regional context.

This book is based largely on the information provided at a Board on Atmospheric Sciences and Climate community workshop. The book describes the needs for end user communities, focusing in particular on needs that are not being met by current urban-level forecasting and monitoring. It also describes current and emerging meteorological forecasting and monitoring capabilities that have had and will likely have the most impact on urban areas, some of which are not being utilized by the relevant end user communities.

This book gives an interdisciplinary overview on urban ecology. The book investigates specific consequences for the environment, nature and the quality of life for city dwellers due to profound changes such as climate change and the demographic and economic developments associated with the phenomena of shrinking cities.

This volume is dedicated to regional planning and will be useful for those who work in this area on a practical or academic basis and follow the innovations in the profession.