The article discusses the impact of climate change and urbanization on cities, emphasizing the rise of invasive species. These species, such as the brown rat, have adapted to urban environments, sometimes posing public health risks and raising philosophical questions about what constitutes an “invader.”
Brian Verelli, a professor at Commonwealth University of Virginia, highlights the hypocrisy in labeling invasive species while humans also move across the globe, reshaping ecosystems. Laura Meyerson from the University of Rhode Island notes that invasive species often homogenize urban biodiversity, making cities ecologically similar worldwide.
Verelli argues that urban environments are evolving ecosystems that need to be studied just like natural ones. He questions traditional views of urbanization as destructive, suggesting instead that it could be a space for biodiversity. He encourages exploring how to design cities to coexist with various organisms, as adapting urban landscapes is crucial for understanding and managing these species effectively.
The article suggests that recognizing the complexities of urban ecosystems and the interplay with invasive species is essential for future conservation efforts.
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