Processi di urbanizzazione e implicazioni ambientali. Uno sguardo storico sulle peculiarità del caso Roma

Abstract

Over the last two centuries, urbanization processes have had multiple environmental impacts, at local and global level. Nevertheless, cities were initially neglected by environmental history. After having retraced how the attention of some scholars in this new field of study has shifted from “agroecosystems” to “urban ecosystems”, the essay focuses on Italy and highlights that Rome constitutes a peculiar case study. Although essentially configured as a bureaucratic and service city, indeed, the “eternal city” is afflicted by a series of environmental problems, which have their roots in its history and are strictly connected with its “like wildfire” expansion.