“The nature of the city in the climate and ecological crisis”

Urban areas are filled with different types of natural features and forms, in addition to man-made ones. The nature of cities can reveal itself in the landscaped spaces of parks, rooftops, gardens, in the spontaneous forms of wasteland, fourth nature and urban reserves. It is also present in the atmosphere, sewers, microbes, or natural disasters affecting cities, driven by the global climate crisis. In cities, multidimensional relationships emerge between different species living in proximity, and the complexity of urban space intensifies their interactions. Cities – inhabitants, social dynamics, urban politics and economics – can relate to nature in different ways, either supporting or excluding some forms of nature. It is in cities that we see the greatest shift towards mutualist values, recognising the equal value of human and non-human life.

At the same time, cities have to confront the increasingly tangible consequences of climate change. This involves imagining a future affected by the climate crisis and taking adaptation measures. This process will inevitably create tensions between the old and the new and translate into urban policies, spaces and quality of life in cities.

Looking at nature in urban spaces makes us reflect on the very nature of cities (Nat Cities 1, 107, 2024). How does nature influence cities and vice versa? How do interactions with other species shape our understanding of the nature of the city? We propose to discuss the relationship between cities and nature, from three perspectives:

• Urban dimension of the climate crisis
• Environmental justice of urban policies
• Cities as spaces of interaction between humans and other species