Introduction

Urbanisation grew in the interstices of cities and shortly spread towards rural and wild areas to radically transform not only the feudal order, but virtually all biotic and abiotic beings on the planet and their historical and paradoxically ecological relations. Capitalism and urbanisation drew their first breath simultaneously, twins who suckled the same she-wolf. Capitalism and its accompanying urbanisation have been the most important factors affecting most aspects of our lives and the future of our planet in the last two centuries, causing an ecological crisis that adds up to several other humanitarian crises such as poverty, hunger, forced migrations, and wars. The capitalist urbanisation not only sets the rules as to how humans should live, but also endangers wildlife, ecosystems, forests, rivers, seas, biodiversity, and native communities all around the world, changing our planet in ways often irreversible. This chapter also presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in this book.