Over the hedge is an award wining film about woodland animals displaced by suburban housing developments. Every year these animals prepare for the winter by collecting nuts and berries to last them for the winter. This year though, things are a little bit different because the land they once knew has changed drastically by urbanization. This year they must try and collect food while dealing with the adverse conflict of loosing their habitat. This film in relation to plant ecology deals with themes of deforestation and urbanization through depicting the impacts they have from the animals perspective. Doing this spreads awareness about the issue while giving a face to the problem. Thereby fostering an environment that people young and old are more inclined to educate themselves on what’s going on.
Urbanization bring a variety of unique issues that impacts both human and animals. Some threats in urbanization are increased pollution and increased infrastructure acts an a physical barriers for root growth which promotes loss of urban tree cover. Animal population survival are inhibited by toxic substances, vehicles, loss of habitat and food sources (shown in the movie). Urban developments can amplify risks of environmental hazards such as flash floods as well. As you can see there are a lot of negatives that come with urbanization. Lots of things can be done in order to minimize some of the effects urbanization has on the environment. Planting trees and caring for city green spaces are key elements that should be implemented in urban planning. In addition to this air pollution can be reduced by upgrading energy use to something more eco-friendly and using alternative transport systems. Since development is necessary in growing areas taking the precautions and implementing as many environmentally beneficial practises is a start.
Applied Plant Ecology Winter 2020 