Rural vs Urban Ecological Succession
Ordinarily, succession is a private affair with no connection to ecology. However, in rural areas, the percentage of the population involved in farming activities is constantly decreasing as young people become disenchanted with agriculture and migrate to cities for better employment opportunities and lifestyles. This results in abandoned farmlands or lands being used for purposes other than agriculture, leading to serious ecological concerns. Consequently, the terms “rural ecological succession” and “urban ecological succession” have emerged. This article explores the main differences between these two concepts.
Urban Ecological Succession
Ecological succession in urban areas does not typically lead to adverse ecological effects, except for a few species of birds and mammals becoming endangered due to loss of green cover and the construction of skyscrapers and apartments in place of bungalows. Loss of green cover, plants, and trees does have a long-term effect on the weather in and around large cities, but urban residents either do not mind or are oblivious to these slow and gradual changes. City-dwellers have adapted to new lifestyles that are not only fast-paced but also leave them with little time to consider these ecological changes. However, due to the concern shown by environmentalists, authorities have started to take steps to ensure minimal adverse effects on ecology through urban succession.
Rural Ecological Succession
Ecological succession in rural areas mainly pertains to changes in the use of farmlands. With the younger generation less enthusiastic about taking up farming challenges, administrations are developing schemes to ensure that farmlands do not get converted into resorts or used for other commercial purposes. This requires planning on the part of those in charge of farmlands, and efforts are made by the administration to provide incentives to the younger generation to remain engaged in farming so that it continues on farmlands. This is necessary for rural ecology and the all-important food chain that is vital for maintaining enough food for urban communities.
Key Takeaways
- Succession affects ecology in rural and urban areas, and authorities are increasingly making efforts to prevent any adverse effects on ecology in general.
- In urban areas, properties are passed down to the younger generation, who are more inclined to convert bungalows into apartments and build shopping malls, resulting in a loss of green cover in urban areas.
- In rural areas, succession is proving to be more hazardous as the younger generation is less inclined to take up farming with the same zeal as their forefathers, leading to farmlands being converted into resorts or used for other commercial purposes, which has long-lasting adverse effects on rural ecology and the supply of food to urban communities.
