Ecosystem Services Provided by Urban Green Infrastructure

Urban Farm DB summary

A review discussing ecosystem services in rapidly urbanizing settings, framing cities as both major centres of demand for ecosystem services and sources of environmental impact, arising from a tightly coupled social-ecological system. It notes that food supply from urban agricultural land and gardens has played a critical role in cities' historical development, and that urban green infrastructure — particularly trees — removes air pollutants and gases, while features such as coarse woody debris, in-channel gravel beds and wider vegetation buffers can enhance nutrient retention. It states that city authorities worldwide are seeking ways to maintain and expand green infrastructure through urban planning. The text is a review and presents no original data or case measurements.