Developing a sustainable land ethic in 21st century cities

Abstract

As more and more of the world's population lives in urban environments, we are faced with questions of quality of life, urban regeneration, sustainability and living in harmony with nature. Drawing on the work of Aldo Leopold, one of the most renowned figures in conservation, wildlife ecology, and environmental ethics, I argue that we need to develop an urban land ethic, one that pays attention to how access to land and water fronts, to parks and playgrounds is intimately tied to health, safety, recreation, and the ability of families to raise children in an urban environment. I use a specific local example from Boston, Massachusetts (USA) to illustrate my argument: I examine the Boston Esplanade Association's 2020 Vision Study that articulates the importance of parklands, recreation, ecology, and nature for city residents. © 2012 WIT Press.