The impact of urbanization on biodiversity and ecosystem services.
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The Impact of Urbanization on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services
Urbanization and Pollinator Diversity
Urbanization significantly affects pollinator diversity and the ecosystem services they provide. Studies show that moderate urbanization (below 50% impervious surface) can sometimes enhance pollinator diversity compared to intensified agricultural landscapes. However, high levels of urban densification (above 50% impervious surface) generally lead to declines in pollinator populations and pollination services1 4. Pollinator responses to urbanization are highly trait-specific, with cavity nesters and generalist species benefiting more than ground nesters and specialists1 4. Despite these challenges, urban green spaces and the availability of nesting resources and flowering plants can mitigate some negative impacts, maintaining sufficient pollination services for both wild vegetation and crops1 4.
Biodiversity-Ecosystem Service Relationships in Urban Areas
The relationship between biodiversity and urban ecosystem services (UES) is complex and not fully understood. A review of 317 publications revealed that only 24% of the mentions of biodiversity and UES were empirically tested, with just over half demonstrating a positive relationship2. Most studies use taxonomic metrics as proxies for biodiversity, often overlooking functional biodiversity metrics and the roles of specific species, including non-natives2. This gap in empirical evidence highlights the need for more comprehensive research to inform urban planning and biodiversity conservation strategies2.
Urbanization's Effects on Ecosystem Functioning
Urbanization transforms natural and rural ecosystems, impacting both the abiotic environment and biota. In urban grasslands, plant species richness positively correlates with aboveground biomass production, indicating that biodiversity conservation is crucial for maintaining ecosystem services6. However, urban parameters like impervious surfaces and human population density significantly influence water and nitrogen cycling, suggesting that changes in urban abiotic factors are necessary to ensure the provision of these services6.
Urbanization in Developing Countries
Urbanization in developing countries, such as the metropolitan area of Concepción, Chile, leads to the replacement of native ecosystems with pavements and buildings, and the dominance of non-native ornamental species in green areas5. Wetlands and other peri-urban ecosystems are rapidly destroyed, fragmented, or invaded by non-native species, resulting in significant biodiversity loss5. The lack of environmental awareness exacerbates these issues, underscoring the need for more research and conservation efforts in these regions5.
Urbanization and Ecosystem Services in China
In rapidly urbanizing regions like southern Yunnan Province and Nanjing City, China, urban expansion has led to a decline in ecosystem services such as food supply, carbon sequestration, and habitat suitability7 8. Urban areas with greater green infrastructure can improve carbon storage and reduce air pollution, but the rapid expansion of urban and industrial land often results in lower ecosystem service values7 8. Compact urban planning and sustainable development strategies are recommended to mitigate these negative impacts7 8.
Legal Protection of Urban Ecosystem Services
Despite the significant benefits of urban biodiversity and ecosystem services, international biodiversity conservation practices primarily focus on rural areas. There is a need for legally binding instruments and policies that specifically address the protection and enhancement of ecosystem services in urban environments9. Green infrastructure, urban parks, and nature reserves within cities offer opportunities to improve urban living and biodiversity conservation9.
Conclusion
Urbanization poses significant challenges to biodiversity and ecosystem services, but strategic urban planning and conservation efforts can mitigate some of these impacts. Enhancing urban green spaces, protecting native species, and implementing sustainable development practices are essential for maintaining ecosystem services and improving the quality of life for urban residents. Further research is needed to fully understand the complex relationships between urbanization, biodiversity, and ecosystem services, particularly in developing regions.
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Most relevant research papers on this topic
How urbanization is driving pollinator diversity and pollination – A systematic review
Moderate urbanization with low densification can enhance pollinator diversity, while high densification leads to declines and loss of pollination services.
Systematic Review
Highly CitedUnderstanding biodiversity-ecosystem service relationships in urban areas: A comprehensive literature review
Urban biodiversity and ecosystem services have positive relationships, but more empirical evidence is needed to support these assumptions.
Systematic ReviewHighly CitedBiodiversity concepts and urban ecosystems
Urban biodiversity management can enhance the quality of life and education of urban dwellers, while also fostering the preservation of biodiversity in natural ecosystems.
Highly CitedThe effects of urbanization on pollinators and pollination: A meta-analysis.
Urbanization negatively impacts pollinator richness and abundance, with Lepidoptera being most affected, but local flowering plants can help mitigate these negative impacts.
Meta-AnalysisMultiple effects of urbanization on the biodiversity of developing countries: the case of a fast-growing metropolitan area (Concepción, Chile).
Urban sprawl in Concepcion, Chile, has led to the destruction of wetlands and agricultural land, with lack of environmental awareness being a major cause.
Highly CitedEcosystem functioning in urban grasslands: The role of biodiversity, plant invasions and urbanization
Conserving and enhancing biodiversity in urban ecosystems is essential for maintaining biomass production, while changes in urban abiotic parameters are needed for water and nitrogen use services.
Rigorous JournalThe effects of urbanization on ecosystem services for biodiversity conservation in southernmost Yunnan Province, Southwest China
Urbanization in southern Yunnan Province, China, has led to a reduction in ecosystem services for biodiversity conservation, with 95% of projected urban land showing a decreasing trend by $2 m2 year1.
Spatio-temporal assessment of urbanization impacts on ecosystem services: Case study of Nanjing City, China
Urbanization significantly impacts ecosystem services in Nanjing, China, with developed areas benefiting from green infrastructure and reduced air pollution, while developing areas experience decreased food supply, carbon sequestration, soil water storage, and habitat suitability.
Highly CitedEcosystem services in cities: Towards the international legal protection of ecosystem services in urban environments
This paper explores current scientific practices and legal instruments for protecting ecosystem services in urban areas, assessing their suitability for enhancing human well-being in cities.
Literature ReviewThe biodiversity–ecosystem service relationship in urban areas: a quantitative review
Urban ecosystem services are crucial for the health and wellbeing of urban residents, but current studies often focus on single services in a single city, overlooking synergies and tradeoffs, and often attribute service provision to habitat types.
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