Selected Publications
- Sousa-Silva R, Duflos M†, Ordóñez Barona C, Paquette A. (2023). Keys to better planning and integrating urban tree planting initiatives. Landscape and Urban Planning, 231: 104649. IF: 8.119 † student advisee
- Messier C, Bauhus J, Sousa‐Silva R, Auge H, Baeten L, Barsoum N, … & Zemp DC. (2021). For the sake of resilience and multifunctionality, let’s diversify planted forests!. Conservation Letters
- Sousa-Silva R, Cameron E, Paquette A. (2021). Prioritizing Street Tree Planting Locations to Increase Benefits for All Citizens: Experience From Joliette, Canada. Frontiers in Ecology and Evolution, 9. IF: 4.493
- Sousa-Silva R, Smargiassi A, Kneeshaw D, Dupras J, Zinszer K, Paquette A. (2021) Strong variations in urban allergenicity riskscapes due to poor knowledge of tree pollen allergenic potential. Scientific Reports
- Paquette A, Sousa-Silva R, Maure F, Cameron E, Belluau M, Messier C. (2021). Praise for diversity: A functional approach to reduce risks in urban forests. Urban Forestry & Urban Greening
- Sousa-Silva R, Smargiassi A, Paquette A, Kaiser D, Kneeshaw D. (2020). Exactly what do we know about tree pollen allergenicity?. The Lancet Respiratory Medicine
- Sousa-Silva R, Verheyen K, Ponette Q, Bay E, Sioen G, Titeux H, Van de Peer T, Van Meerbeek K, Muys B. (2018). Tree diversity mitigates defoliation after a drought-induced tipping point. Global Change Biology
YAS Project
Growing a sustainable future – increasing the adaptation and resilience of socio-ecological systems through green infrastructure
In a world increasingly urbanized, we find ourselves increasingly separate from nature. For the first time in history, more people are now living in urban areas than in rural settings, and projections show that this will be two-thirds by 2050. There can be no doubt that cities will grow, but how can we make sure that they grow sustainably and equitably?
Solutions are at hand, however. Integrating green infrastructure, especially trees, into urban planning and management can help transform cities into more sustainable, resilient and healthy places to live.
In this project, I will explore two key, interrelated questions, which are central to developing a more holistic understanding of the social and ecological processes that hinder or support the establishment and conservation of urban forests, and how such processes can be leveraged for advancing urban resiliency in the face of unrelenting global environmental change: How to improve the planning, protection, and establishment of urban forests for their many benefits and uses? and How to maximize the contribution of urban forests to create healthier, more equitable, and resilient cities?
These questions are by nature interdisciplinary and I will seek to collaborate and integrate perspectives from ecological, environmental, social, and economic disciplines, as well as involving citizens and stakeholders, to ensure the relevance of the research project and increase the chances of its results being implemented