Eric W. Sanderson
Vice President for Urban Conservation
Center for Conservation & Restoration Ecology
Ph.D., University of California at Davis
Specialty
Landscape and ecosystem ecology
Expertise
Landscape and ecosystem ecology, conservation biology, historical ecology, urban conservation, climate resilience, ecological democracy
Research locations
New York City, Shanghai, Jerusalem, San Francisco
Profile
We are alive at the most important point in all of human history, when the decisions we make now will make or break the ecology of the planet on which we all depend for thousands of years to come. The most important lever we have to make a difference are cities. Cities need nature, and nature needs cities. Eric Sanderson’s main focus is on New York City, which of all the cities of the world, is the most important because of its global reputation, iconic status, diverse and energized population, and leadership in finance, media, arts, science, and other fields. It is also his home. Eric’s approach combines deep and cross-disciplinary investigations of the historical ecology of the city with cutting edge technology in visualization, geospatial analysis, and cloud computing. His belief is that the best way forward is to foster ecological literacy and democracy, artistic and scientific excellence, and the innate love so many people have for the nature of planet Earth. Eric believes the power of place will get us through, if and when we center plants and ecosystems in our hearts and minds.
Books
Sanderson, E.W. (In prep.) The Welikia Atlas and Gazetteer: A Guide to New York City’s Indigenous Landscape. Abrams, New York. Expected Fall 2025.
Sanderson, E.W., W.D. Solecki., J.R. Waldman, and A. S. Parris. 2016. Prospects for Resilience: Insights from New York City’s Jamaica Bay. Island Press, Washington, D.C.
Sanderson, E.W. 2013. Terra Nova: The New World After Oil, Cars, and Suburbs. Abrams, New York. 352 pp.
Sanderson, E.W. 2009. Mannahatta: A Natural History of New York City. Abrams, New York. 352 pp. Illustrated by Markley Boyer. Paperback edition May 2013. New York Times bestseller.
Documents