Rewilding cities: Bringing nature back into our lives

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  Quantumrun Foresight
• January 25, 2022

Insight summary

Rewilding, a strategy to increase green spaces in cities, is gaining global acceptance as a means to combat climate change and improve urban living conditions. By transforming underutilized spaces into green belts, cities can become more inviting habitats, fostering community and improving mental health. The wider implications of this trend include ecological restoration, climate resilience, health benefits,  and increased urban biodiversity.

Rewilding in cities context

Rewilding, an ecological strategy, aims to enhance the resilience of cities against climate change by increasing green spaces. This approach also seeks to create a more inviting environment for urban dwellers. The concept is gaining traction globally, with successful implementations in various locations. Notable examples include The Highline in New York, Melbourne’s SkyFarm, and the Wild West End project in London. 

In the past, urban development has often resulted in cities becoming monotonous habitats dominated by concrete, glass skyscrapers, and asphalt roads. This endless grey vista is a stark contrast to the natural landscapes that humans, animals, and birds thrive in. Inner-city areas, in particular, are often devoid of greenery, resulting in an environment that feels alien and unwelcoming. 

Interestingly, most cities around the world have an abundance of residual spaces. These are areas occupied by undeveloped land, parking lots, abandoned industrial sites, and leftover pieces of land where roads intersect. In some streets, it is rare to see even a single blade of grass or a patch of soil where plants could grow. Rooftops, which could be used for gardens and trees, are often left to bake in the sun. With thoughtful planning, these areas could be converted into lush green belts.

Disruptive impact 

If city authorities and communities collaborate to reintegrate nature into urban spaces, cities could become more inviting habitats where humans, plants, birds, and small animals thrive. This transformation would not only beautify our cities but also foster a sense of community among urban dwellers. The presence of green spaces in cities could encourage outdoor activities and social interactions, fostering a sense of community and improving mental health.

By reversing the degradation of our natural environments, we could improve air quality and reduce pollution levels in cities. Furthermore, the presence of green spaces could help mitigate the urban heat island effect, where urban areas become significantly warmer than their rural surroundings. This trend could contribute to a more comfortable living environment and potentially reduce the energy consumption associated with cooling buildings.

The transformation of underutilized spaces, such as office rooftops, into community gardens and parks could provide urban dwellers with easily accessible outdoor recreational areas. These spaces could serve as tranquil retreats from the hustle and bustle of city life, offering workers a place to relax and recharge during their breaks. Moreover, these green spaces could also serve as venues for community events, further fostering social cohesion. 

Implications of rewilding cities

Wider implications of rewilding cities may include:

• Regenerating damaged ecosystems and re-establishing natural ecological systems, which would lead to ecologically rich urban landscapes, and in a localized context, combat climate change.
• Arming cities against the many devastating effects of climate change, including increased risk of flooding, soaring temperatures, and air pollution.
• Improving the population’s health and quality of life by creating natural play and recreational areas and clean air to breathe. This would boost citizen morale.
• New job opportunities in urban ecology and landscape design.
• The emergence of new economic sectors focused on urban agriculture and local food production, contributing to food security and reducing reliance on long-distance food transportation.
• The potential for political debates and policy changes around land use and zoning regulations, as city authorities grapple with the challenge of integrating green spaces into densely populated urban areas.
• A shift in demographic trends, with more people choosing to live in cities that offer a high quality of life, including access to green spaces, leading to a potential renaissance of urban living.
• The development and application of new technologies for efficient use of limited urban spaces, such as vertical gardening and green roofing.
• The potential for increased biodiversity in urban areas, leading to improved ecosystem health and resilience, and contributing to global efforts to halt the loss of biodiversity.

Questions to consider

• Do you think rewilding cities/towns is possible where you live, or is it a pipedream?
• Could rewilding cities make a meaningful contribution to the fight against climate change?