Urban and natural environments are often viewed as entirely separate entities ? human settlements as the domain of architects and planners, and natural areas as untouched wilderness. This dichotomy continues to drive decision-making in subtle ways, but with the mounting pressures of global climate change and declining biodiversity, it is no longer viable. New technologies are promising to provide renewable energy sources and greener designs, but real change will require a deeper shift in values, attitudes, and perceptions.

A timely and important collection, The Natural City explores how to integrate the natural environment into healthy urban centres from philosophical, religious, socio-political, and planning perspectives. Recognizing the need to better link the humanities with public policy, The Natural City offers unique insights for the development of an alternative vision of urban life.

Ingrid Leman Stefanovic is Dean of the Faculty of Environment and professor in the School of Resource and Environmental Management at Simon Fraser University. She is also a professor emerita in the Department of Philosophy at the University of Toronto.

Ingrid Leman Stefanovic's profile page

Stephen Bede Scharper is Associate Professor of Environment, Religion, and Anthropology at the University of Toronto, a Senior Fellow of Massey College, and columnist for the Toronto Star. He is co-editor of The Natural City (2012).

Stephen Bede Scharper's profile page

‘The Natural City brings together essays on the thought-provoking topic of the “natural city”... It directs the conversation of environmental philosophy toward a new perspective on how culture and nature are interconnected.’

Environmental Philosophy; vol 9:02:2012

‘This collection seeks to bring fresh perspectives that will help conceptualize more sustainable cities for future… If you’re interested in cities and environment, you’ll find plenty that intrigues.’

Canadian Geographic, June 2012

‘This collection manages the challenge of discussing complicated concepts in clear language, successfully balancing a depth of analysis and accessibility of concepts…The Natural City starts the dialogue on reintegrating the natural with the urban; an essential topic for the survival of human and non-human alike.’

Journal of Critical Environmental Studies, vol 18:2014

‘This collection is excellent… All essays are engaging and thought provoking… Highly recommended.’

Choice Magazine, vol 49:10:2012