Natural Resources, Ecosystems and Sustainability

  Although the rapid expansion of urban areas is one of the most significant threats to global biodiversity, the presence of nature within cities remains a critical component for human well-being and urban resilience. Urban green spaces offer essential ecosystem services, such as temperature regulation, flood prevention, air purification, and psychological benefits associated with access to natural environments. However, these advantages are not equitably distributed…

Urban centers, while occupying less than 2% of the Earth's land surface, are responsible for an overwhelming 78% of global energy consumption and approximately 70% of greenhouse gas emissions, according to UN-Habitat. With more than half of the world’s population already residing in cities—and forecasts indicating that this trend will only intensify—urbanization stands as both a critical driver of economic development and a central contributor…