Imperiled: The Encyclopedia of Conservation
Imperiled: The Encyclopedia of Conservation, part of a three-volume set, updates on humanity's expanding ecological footprint. With climate change, increases in human population, consumption levels, and other anthropogenic factors, nearly half the known species on Earth could soon be gone.
This book provides a global synthesis of the world's imperiled species and ecosystems. It documents rarity and endangerment, the major drivers of loss, areas of conservation importance, and implementation strategies to save and restore imperiled species and ecosystems.
Superfisky authored two chapters about the Los Angeles River. Read the synopses and link to the full chapters below…
Turning a River into Infrastructure to Accommodate the Rise of the Megacity Called Los Angeles, California
The 51-mile Los Angeles River flows through the second-largest metropolitan region in the United States in man-made concrete channels. Prior to its channelization during the 20th century, the river was a natural, free-flowing riparian ecosystem. The conversion of this natural system into an infrastructural system maximized production of the regulating ecosystem service of flood hazard mitigation, allowing a megacity to develop, but limited the array of other cultural and provisioning services this resource could also provide. Revitalizing the LA River includes reimagining the single-purpose flood management channel into a multi-benefit river with hydrological, environmental and socio-cultural value.
Kat Superfisky and Jessica M. Henson
The Nature of Infrastructure: How Imperiled Ecosystems Like the Los Angeles River Provide Cultural Ecosystem Services and Health Benefits to Urban Residents
Ecosystems in cities are essential to enhancing biodiversity, addressing climate change, and providing health and resilience at local, regional, national, and global scales. Enhancing ecosystems in cities improves the health of the Earth, and also provides urban residents with public health benefits. Connecting to elements and processes beyond the built environment provides an array of physical and mental health benefits, making access to “nature” in cities of critical importance. Even in their current condition, imperiled ecosystems, such as the Los Angeles River, can provide urban residents with essential access to nature and key ecosystem services, especially during a global health pandemic.
Kat Superfisky