About this Research Topic
Urban nature as a solution to tackle contemporary socio-ecological challenges has been framed by homogenous, formal, and anthropocentric viewpoints that despite the significant advances to cope with them are not enough. Dealing with contemporary new socio-ecological phenomena implies learning to think as and with Nature, in a symbiotic relationship where different views and knowledge are integrated. In urban spaces, nature has been used as domesticated and as the humanity background, to serve human purposes, neglecting its agency and capacity to work side by side with humanity. While it is recognized the need to refund society's relations with nature, especially in the context of our multicultural, unequal cities that are increasingly impacted by climate change, it is necessary to create opportunities that stimulate creative solutions where all elements, human and non-human, can compose new multiple urban spaces and new sustainable futures.
Set against this background, this Research Topic aims to promote a discussion and deep reflection on different possibilities that Nature(s), considering their plurality, can assume in urban spaces. Nature is, in this sense, understood as an active actor, with an agency, that works side by side with humans, in an equal position. Therefore, Nature can no longer be regarded as operating solely outside of the social purview. Considering the integration of Nature into society, and due to the complexity of socio and biodiversity, cities and urban spaces may be of relevance to contribute to the importance of reimagining the future. If envisioning the future towards a new socio-ecological transition is needed, imagination is central to creating better lives and viable futures.
This Research Topic welcomes theoretical and empirical discussions/debates on new ways of reimagining our relationship with Nature in urban settings, considering the reflection of Nature(s) with agency and in the plurality of forms that can assume that goes beyond the formal and classic ones and how this can address the discussion on socio-ecological challenges. We encourage submissions to address, but are not limited to, the following topics:
• Society-Nature relations
• Plurality of Urban Nature(s)
• Socioecological challenges
• Post-sustainability approach to cities and urban settings
• Sustainable urban planning
• Regenerative cultures
• Formal and informal green areas
• Viable socio-ecological futures
• Nature agency
Set against this background, this Research Topic aims to promote a discussion and deep reflection on different possibilities that Nature(s), considering their plurality, can assume in urban spaces. Nature is, in this sense, understood as an active actor, with an agency, that works side by side with humans, in an equal position. Therefore, Nature can no longer be regarded as operating solely outside of the social purview. Considering the integration of Nature into society, and due to the complexity of socio and biodiversity, cities and urban spaces may be of relevance to contribute to the importance of reimagining the future. If envisioning the future towards a new socio-ecological transition is needed, imagination is central to creating better lives and viable futures.
This Research Topic welcomes theoretical and empirical discussions/debates on new ways of reimagining our relationship with Nature in urban settings, considering the reflection of Nature(s) with agency and in the plurality of forms that can assume that goes beyond the formal and classic ones and how this can address the discussion on socio-ecological challenges. We encourage submissions to address, but are not limited to, the following topics:
• Society-Nature relations
• Plurality of Urban Nature(s)
• Socioecological challenges
• Post-sustainability approach to cities and urban settings
• Sustainable urban planning
• Regenerative cultures
• Formal and informal green areas
• Viable socio-ecological futures
• Nature agency
Keywords: Natures, Agency, Socio-ecological challanges, Society-nature relations, Urban spaces
Important Note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.
