Cities Are Concentrators of Complex, MultiSectoral Interactions Within the Human‐Earth System

Cities are concentrators of complex, multi‐sectoral interactions. As keystones in the interconnected human‐Earth system, cities have an outsized impact on the Earth system. We describe a multi‐lens framework for organizing our understanding of the complexity of urban systems and scientific research...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Earth's future 2024-11, Vol.12 (11), p.n/a
Main Authors: Brelsford, Christa, Jones, Andrew, Pandey, Bhartendu, Vahmani, Pouya, Allen‐Dumas, Melissa, Rastogi, Deeksha, Sparks, Kevin, Bukovsky, Melissa, Dronova, Iryna, Hong, Tianzhen, Iwaniec, David M., Newcomer, Michelle E., Reid, Sean C., Zheng, Zhonghua
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Behavior
Cities
Climate change
Complexity
Concentrators
Datasets
Earth
Energy
Machine learning
multi-sector dynamics
Scientific research
Urban research
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Summary:Cities are concentrators of complex, multi‐sectoral interactions. As keystones in the interconnected human‐Earth system, cities have an outsized impact on the Earth system. We describe a multi‐lens framework for organizing our understanding of the complexity of urban systems and scientific research on urban systems, which may be useful for natural system scientists exploring the ways their work can be made more actionable. We then describe four critical dimensions along which improvements are needed to advance the urban research that addresses urgent climate challenges: (a) solutions‐oriented research, (b) equity‐centered assessments which rely on fine‐scale human and ecological data, (c) co‐production of knowledge, and (d) better integration of human and natural systems occurring through theory, observation, and modeling. Plain Language Summary Cities can be seen as concentrators of complex, multi‐sectoral interactions: ripples of influence across different systems travel faster, through more systems, and have greater consequences within cities than in other contexts. We describe a multi‐lens framework for organizing our understanding of the complexity of urban systems and of scientific research on urban systems. We then describe four important improvements to urban research so we can better address urgent climate challenges in cities and globally. Key Points Cities are concentrators of complex, multi‐sectoral interactions In order to address climate risks, people need transformative solutions tailored to their problems and at decision‐relevant scales A richer understanding of human and natural interactions in urban environments can support our transition to a more climate secure future
ISSN:2328-4277
2328-4277
DOI:10.1029/2024EF004481