by Priyanwada Atapattu 

When people think about nature, they often picture remote forests, unbroken grasslands, or mountain landscapes far removed from daily human activity. Cities, with their concrete surfaces, dense infrastructure, and constant disturbance, are usually imagined as the opposite of nature. From an ecological perspective, however, this division between the “natural” and the “urban” is far less clear than it appears.

When you think of fall in the United States, what comes to mind? For many, it’s the crisp air, the first frost on the grass, cozy sweaters, and forests that explode with color. Yet in recent years, the season feels different. September often drags on with summer-like warmth, October nights are not as cool as they once were, and the leaves sometimes change color later or drop more abruptly. Across the country, more people are noticing that autumn doesn’t feel like it used to. The data agrees: fall is warming, and the shift is becoming one of the most noticeable ways climate change is reshaping daily life.

                                        When we think of wildlife, we often imagine deep forests, rolling fields, and quiet rivers. But for many animals today, their “forest” is made of concrete, their “river” might be a drainage canal, and their “trees” are streetlights and telephone poles. Cities are growing fast, and with them comes a surprising story of adaptation. City life also presents significant challenges for wildlife, including limited availability of suitable habitats, disturbance from human activities, competition with non-native species, increased exposure to diseases, and the inherently high-risk nature of urban environments. Animals adapt in all environments as it is a fundamental principle of survival; yet the strategies they employ in urban settings often differ markedly from those in rural forests. Urban-adapted species are frequently efficient scavengers, dietary and habitat generalists, or so-called “weedy” species capable of thriving in highly modified environments.

                                Airflow in cities, often referred to as urban ventilation, is shaped by the complex layout of buildings, streets, and vegetation. Unlike open landscapes, cities create "urban canyons"—narrow corridors between buildings—that can restrict natural wind movement. This can lead to areas of poor air circulation, where pollutants and heat accumulate, especially in dense urban centers.

Cherry blossoms - Sakura, carry meanings tied to both time and place. Their blooming marks the end of winter and the beginning of spring—a transition loaded with emotional and cultural significance. In Japan, spring traditionally aligns with the start of the new year, new school terms, and careers. Consequently, cherry blossoms are associated with beginnings and endings, filled with memories of change and emotional milestones.

by Priyanwada Atapattu & Aruni Sabina 

by Priyanwada Atapattu

by Priyanwada Atapattu

by Priyanwada Atapattu