For a long time, ecology largely overlooked human influence, concentrating instead on remote natural areas. In the late 1990s, researchers in Phoenix, Arizona, began studying urban plant distributions, marking a shift in ecological focus. They found existing theories could not explain urban plant arrangements, prompting the need for new models.
A significant discovery was the “luxury effect,” which posits that wealthier neighborhoods support greater wildlife diversity. In Phoenix, as household income increased, residents tended to plant more greenery, leading to cooler temperatures and enhanced biodiversity. This effect has been observed in various species across cities worldwide, including birds, bats, and deer.
Biologist Jeff Ackley noted that affluent individuals often have the means to cultivate diverse vegetation. Surprisingly, wealthier homes also harbored more indoor species, contradicting the assumption that wealth correlates with cleanliness. Increased biodiversity, both indoors and outdoors, can positively impact human health, as exposure to varied microorganisms is crucial for immune function.
Despite the growing awareness of biodiversity loss, research underscores the connection between ecological health and human well-being. Addressing health disparities through biodiversity maintenance could prove beneficial, as shown in studies linking biodiverse environments to fewer health issues in children. The “luxury effect” highlights not only ecological patterns but also social inequities inherent in urban landscapes.
Source link
