Exploring urban metabolism—Towards an interdisciplinary perspective

Abstract

© 2017 The Author(s) The discussion on urban metabolism has been long dominated by natural scientists focussing on natural forces shaping the energy and material flows in urban systems. However, in the anthropocene human forces such as industrialization and urbanization are mobilizing people, goods and information at an increasing pace and as such have a large impact on urban energy and material flows. In this white paper, we develop a combined natural and social science perspective on urban metabolism. More specifically, innovative conceptual and methodological interdisciplinary approaches are identified and discussed to enhance the understanding of the forces that shape urban metabolism, and how these forces affect urban living and the environment. A challenging research agenda on urban metabolism is also presented.

Citation

Urge-Vorsatz, D., Rosales Carreón, J., Mokhtarian, P. L., Dijst, M., Worrell, E., Böcker, L., …Zeyringer, M. (2018). Exploring urban metabolism—Towards an interdisciplinary perspective. Resources, Conservation and Recycling, 132, 190-203. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.resconrec.2017.09.014

• Journal Article Type: Editorial
• Acceptance Date: Sep 12, 2017
• Online Publication Date: Oct 27, 2017
• Publication Date: May 1, 2018
• Journal: Resources, Conservation and Recycling
• Print ISSN: 0921-3449
• Electronic ISSN: 1879-0658
• Publisher: Elsevier
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 132
• Pages: 190-203
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.resconrec.2017.09.014
• Keywords: urban metabolism, interdisciplinary approach, research agenda, white paper
• Public URL: https://uwe-repository.worktribe.com/output/858176
• Publisher URL: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.resconrec.2017.09.014
• Additional Information: Additional Information : Acknowledgements section of paper: The foundation for this paper was laid by the discussion among all authors within the weeklong workshop “Towards an Integrated Perspective on Urban Metabolism” (TIPUM). The workshop was held in November 2014 at the NIAS-Lorentz Center at Leiden, The Netherlands. We are thankful for the opportunity to hold this workshop at the center, and the support that made a focused and truly open minded workshop possible. We especially thank Ikram Cakir for her support throughout the week. We also thank Utrecht University (Faculty of Geosciences) and the Lorentz Center for making this workshop financially possible.