Understanding Urban Regulating Ecosystem Services in the Global South

Abstract

The context of the Global South’s urban ecosystems is often poorly understood or accounted for when applying the Urban Regulating Ecosystem Services (URES) concept, primarily because most available information is from the Global North. Thus, there is a need to better understand the unique socio-economic, political and environmental context of urban areas in the Global South when addressing issues related to urban ecosystem services, environmental quality, climate change and environmental justice. This chapter provides a more nuanced perspective on how URES can address urban environmental and climate change problems, thereby improving the human condition and policy formulation. It first defines URES using selected literature and discusses differences in the environmental and socio-economic characteristics and trajectories of cities in the Global South relative to the Global North. Several global examples overview the effectiveness and relevance of URES in the context of mitigation and adaptation to environmental pollution, extreme climatic events and sustainable development. Future research needs and environmental policy implications are also discussed. It concludes by emphasising the need for more interconnected and equal cooperation and knowledge exchange between Global North and South countries, when applying and studying URES concepts and practices.