Urban Ecosystems and the North American Carbon Cycle

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Table of Contents

Introduction
Paper Introduction
The Methodology of the Research
Results and Discussion of Findings
Conclusions of the Report
Other Parts
Conclusion
Work Cited

Introduction

The review of the recent findings in a particular area is essential for the evaluation of the current state of research and assessment of further work. The study by Pataki et al. titled “Urban ecosystems and the North American carbon cycle” contains the analysis of recent scientific research concerning the carbon cycle in North American urban areas. The purpose of conducting such an exploration is to comprise current data on carbon emissions in North American metropolitan areas and to set objectives for future research. The structure of the paper corresponds to its aim, as the main body contains the report on the findings of previous studies and critical evaluation of the results.

Paper Introduction

The authors clearly state their objectives in the introduction to the report. According to Pataki et al., the research aims at evaluation and assessment of the state of expertise in the carbon cycle in North American cities and the impact of urbanization on carbon balance (2092). The researchers provide prerequisites for the study, including data on urban population percentage. As Pataki et al. claim, 75-80% of the North American population live in urban or suburban areas, and the rates are increasing. The assumption is made that urbanization is a key factor behind the increase in carbon emission from fossil fuel.

The Methodology of the Research

The main method applied in the research under discussion is the literature review. The authors thoroughly and rigorously analyze integrated interdisciplinary and urban ecological studies to evaluate “the recent research on the linkages between urbanization and the current and future carbon cycle” (Pataki et al. 2093). Direct fossil fuel emissions from transportation and fossil energy consumption, building characteristics, and the impact of soils and vegetation on the carbon cycle are the main points of focus of the research.

Results and Discussion of Findings

The results and findings of previous studies are analyzed and evaluated in the main body of the report. The authors provide data for carbon emissions in residential sectors emphasizing the role of current trends in house construction and household size. The assumption that fossil fuel emissions increase due to urban sprawl is proved in this section (Pataki et al. 2094). The function of soils and vegetation in the urban carbon cycle is also discussed in the study, followed by the recommendation for further research. The studies utilizing the urban metabolism approach are in the focus of current research.

The authors highlight the importance of this method for future studies of carbon balance in North American cities (Pataki et al. 2097). The results suggest the need for evaluation of such processes as demographic increase and urbanization.

Conclusions of the Report

The conclusions of the study under consideration comprise the recommendations for future research and the implications of the findings in interdisciplinary investigations. The researchers define crucial questions for the following years that include “variabilities in fossil fuel emissions in urbanizing regions …, the role of direct and indirect effects of biological processes in carbon emissions …, and factors that determine the trajectory of anthropogenic and biogenic carbon sources” (Pataki et al. 2099). Thus, the authors highlight the need for evaluating the changes in household income and population on a regional scale.

Other Parts

The report provides information on the authors’ academic affiliation with Universities located in the USA, Mexico, Canada, and New Zealand, highlighting the continental scale of the research. The abstract reveals basic results and findings discussion of the study, fundamental conclusion points, followed by the key words. The bibliographical reference is rather extensive, including 92 units, several of them published by authors of the current study, which is typical for the researches based on the literature review method.

Conclusion

The study under discussion is the literature review report on the carbon cycle in North American cities. Utilizing the analysis of recent research, the researchers proved the assumption of urbanization impact on fossil fuel emission. They also underline the necessity to evaluate the factors determining fossil fuel emissions, such as energy consumption in residential areas, demographic and housing trends, and the impact of soil and vegetation on the carbon cycle.

Work Cited

Pataki, D. E., et al. “Urban Ecosystems and the North American Carbon Cycle.” Global Change Biology, vol. 12, no. 11, 2006, pp. 2092-2102. Web.

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