Abstract
In an era of accelerating ecological collapse, cities are increasingly evaluated through sustainability rankings that claim to measure environmental resilience for the future. However, these rankings prioritize anthropocentric infrastructure metrics while failing to adequately assess ecological integrity. My Independent Study research critiques traditional sustainability ranking models and introduces the Viability Index for Ecologically Sustainable and Thriving Urban Areas (VISTA) model, an alternative framework that centers ecological integrity rather than economic privilege. Findings show that urban sustainability is not the achievement of a single indicator but a balance of interconnected ecological systems. This research ultimately argues that true sustainability cannot be measured by human convenience alone but must instead reflect a city’s ability to function as part of a larger ecosystem, ensuring the survival of both urban and nonhuman systems in an era of profound environmental disaster.
Advisor
Fitz-Gibbon, Heather
Department
Urban Studies
Recommended Citation
Gretlein, Ryan, "Rethinking Urban Sustainability: Integrating Ecology into City Ranking Systems" (2025). Senior Independent Study Theses. Paper 11520.
https://openworks.wooster.edu/independentstudy/11520
Disciplines
Environmental Design | Environmental Policy | Urban, Community and Regional Planning | Urban Studies
Publication Date
2025
Degree Granted
Bachelor of Arts
Document Type
Senior Independent Study Thesis
© Copyright 2025 Ryan Gretlein