GREEN CITIES

A quick look at some of the ways cities are, or could be, incorporating nature to lessen their destructive environmental impact.

In this mix of proposals and examples, Boudreau mentions ancient Roman bridges that were also aqueducts and modern green infrastructure such as a rooftop farm in Brooklyn and the urban pocket woodlots known as “Miyawaki forests.” Mainly, though, she focuses on broad, basic concepts—ranging from needs that must be considered in planning a sustainable city to the importance of using both nature-based solutions and the traditional knowledge of Indigenous peoples as sources of information and inspiration. In line with the general approach, the author closes with simple guidelines for getting involved and leads to two representative youth networks rather than specific projects to undertake or a substantial list of urban environmentalist organizations. Still, it’s a strong starting point. Along with views of generic roof gardens and greenways, Dockrill’s illustrations of groups of city dwellers diverse in age and race (including one young gardener who uses a wheelchair) add a vital message that making our cities more livable must be a team effort.

An invigorating pep talk for young eco-activists.