Widespread and accepted beliefs that urbanisation negatively affects biodiversity are incorrect, according to a team of researchers. The discussion concerns the link between biodiversity, land use, and food production. Currently, more than 50% of the Earth's population lives in or near an urban environment, and by 2050 this figure could rise to 68%. The researchers have concluded that increasing urbanisation is driving changes in climate, land use, and human dietary habits.

A review of the research*, published on 19 November 2021 in One Earth, provides insights into the intersections of urbanisation and agrobiodiversity (biodiversity associated with food production), such as agricultural ecosystems. The research was conducted in four areas: land use, supply chains, food availability and food raw material routes, as well as urban infrastructure and food retail.
* https://www.cell.com/one-earth/fulltext/S2590-3322(21)00598-4