Content
Introduction & Outcomes
In this second section of Module 2, we will discuss the third kind of ecosystem service: regulating ecosystem services. The regulating ecosystem services refer to the ways in which urban forests moderate urban environments, for example by capturing air pollution and improving air quality, absorbing and slowing down the movement of water and thereby reducing flooding, and reducing urban temperatures via shading and evapotranspiration. In this module, we will focus specifically on regulating services that improve air quality, reduce flooding, and lower air temperatures. As you will see, regulating ecosystem services are very important for keeping cities comfortable and safe places to live.
By the end of this topic, you should be able to:
- Describe at least 4 types of air pollution and how urban trees reduce them.
- Describe factors affecting air pollution removal by urban trees and apply them to an urban forest site.
- Describe the characteristics of urban hydrology and its associated challenges.
- Identify and explain how trees help manage stormwater runoff.
- Describe 4 “green engineering” tools to help manage stormwater runoff.
- Describe 3 ways in which trees regulate urban temperatures.
- Explain how placement can influence trees’ ability to regulate temperature.
Readings and Discussion Questions (For certificate learning only)
The required readings for this section comprise two chapters from the Handbook of Urban Forestry. Please read Orlandini et al.’s chapter on urban forestry and microclimate and Sæbø et al.’s chapter on urban forestry and pollution mitigation. After reading both chapters, please post two discussion questions on the course forum. What stood out in these chapters? How can we use some of this knowledge to make cities more comfortable and enjoyable places to live?
Post-lecture Mini Quiz (For certificate learning only)
Now it’s time for you to complete an online, multiple choice topic quiz after finishing viewing each lecture for this topic. The main purpose of the quiz is to examine how well you grasp the contents for this topic. The quiz will be open-book, covering contents of the lecture(s) for the topic. You will have 5 mins to complete the quiz. Two attempts are allowed and higher mark will be saved for your grade. There will be 13 online topic quizzes throughout the course with 4-5 questions per quiz, each worth 4-5 points that collectively count for 10% towards the final grade.
When you are ready, click the link Mini Quiz 2.2 or go to left menu > Quizzes > Mini Quiz 2.2 to start taking the quiz.
Topic Summary
Regulating ecosystem services are central to making cities healthy and comfortable places to live. Urban forests can provide regulating ecosystem services by improving air quality, reducing surface water runoff and flooding, and ameliorating urban microclimates, providing cooling in summer and warming in winter. The design and placement of urban vegetation and soils are important considerations when planning for regulating ecosystem services, and should be considered in a wide range of urban policies and plans.
Topic Self-review (For self learning)
To review what you have learned in the topic, you are encouraged to use the following reflection questions as a study guide to do a self-review for the topic:
- Think of your neighbourhood: What regulating ecosystem services does your local urban forest provide?
- How could your urban forest be improved to increase the delivery of regulating ecosystem services?
- Are there some regulating ecosystem services that are particularly important in your city? Which ones and why?
Graded Assignment(s) for the Week (For certificate learning only)
None.
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