ABSTRACT
In the coming decades cities around the world must face the imperative to transform in the face of critical and converging challenges, to ensure urban environments are liveable and functional as the global environment, economy and society change dramatically. Modern explorations of human relationships with nature, and consideration of the design and development of urban areas in ways that recognise, protect and enhance the ecology and biodiversity have a basis in many fields. Actually integrating nature into cities can be challenging due to competing land-use demands, financial constraints, lack of technical skills and industry experience, established planning laws and practices that do not encourage urban greening and private ownership of a large proportion of urban space. Addressing the highly complex challenges of climate change, resource shortages and population pressures within the context of embedded socio-economic regimes that typify urban development scenarios requires a whole-systems approach to urban greening.
