Abandonment, Ecological Assembly and Public Health Risks in Counter-Urbanizing Cities

Alexandra Gulachenski, Bruno M. Ghersi, Amy E. Lesen and Michael J. Blum
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Alexandra Gulachenski: Department of Ecology & Evolutionary Biology, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA 70118, USA
Bruno M. Ghersi: Department of Ecology & Evolutionary Biology, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA 70118, USA
Amy E. Lesen: Tulane-Xavier Center for Bioenvironmental Research, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA 70118, USA
Michael J. Blum: Department of Ecology & Evolutionary Biology, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA 70118, USA

Sustainability, 2016, vol. 8, issue 5, 1-26

Abstract: Urban landscapes can be transformed by widespread abandonment from population and economic decline. Ecological assembly, sometimes referred to as “greening”, following abandonment can yield valuable ecosystem services, but also can pose a risk to public health. Abandonment can elevate zoonotic vector-borne disease risk by favoring the hyperabundance of commensal pests and pathogen vectors. Though greater biodiversity in abandoned areas can potentially dilute vector-borne pathogen transmission, “greening” can elevate transmission risk by increasing movement of pathogen vectors between fragmented areas and by giving rise to novel human-wildlife interfaces. Idled and derelict infrastructure can further elevate disease risk from vector-borne and water-borne pathogens, which can build up in stagnant and unprotected water that maintenance and routine use of delivery or sanitation systems would otherwise eliminate. Thus, framing “greening” as inherently positive could result in policies and actions that unintentionally exacerbate inequalities by elevating risks rather than delivering benefits. As counter-urbanism is neither a minor pattern of urban development, nor a short-term departure from urban growth, homeowner and municipal management of abandoned areas should account for potential hazards to reduce health risks. Further socioecological assessments of public health risks following abandonment could better ensure the resilience and well-being of communities in shrinking cities.

Keywords: coupled natural human ecosystem dynamics; ecosystem services; emerging infectious disease; dilution effect; biodiversity; environmental justice (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2016
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (5)

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