De l'arbre en ville à la forêt urbaine

Abstract

Tree planting is used by many municipalities as a natural solution to the challenges of climate change. This choice makes it possible to lower temperatures by combating urban heat islands, provide support for biodiversity, improve the living environment and the physical and mental health of city dwellers. Trees in the city, whether alone, in rows or in an urban park, depend on their interactions with the organisms associated with them in their leaves, wood and soil, but also on their links with neighbouring trees and with the urban ecosystem. Strongly linked to human activities, the tree in the city and the urban forest are subject to precise management, the issues and methods of which have evolved over time. The urban environment presents constraints but also offers opportunities for the development of trees. In return, trees and forests help to shape the urban environment, with a desired benefit for human populations, making them ecological as well as political objects. This book is aimed at an informed readership, particularly students and teachers of life and environmental sciences, geography, sociology and political science. It will also be of interest to urban planners, green space managers and elected municipal officials.