With the rapid expansion of urban areas, cities are becoming centers of both transformative innovations and critical challenges, particularly in relation to environmental sustainability, climate resilience, and community engagement. This introductory chapter to Ecological Urbanism: Integrating Green Infrastructure, Technological Innovations, and Climate Resilience offers a comprehensive overview of contemporary urban complexities and explores the enabling role of Artificial Intelligence (AI), Generative AI (GenAI), and Artificial Intelligence of Things (AIoT) in advancing green infrastructure, environmental strategies, climate adaptation, and community development to transform cities into more sustainable, adaptive, inclusive, and ecologically conscious urban environments. Specifically, it introduces the transition from eco-urbanism to smart eco-urbanism and smarter eco-urbanism, reflecting the growing role of recent digital innovations, data-driven strategies, and integrated and generative intelligence in advancing sustainable urban development goals. While this volume does not primarily focus on the technological dimensions of smart and smarter eco-urbanism, this chapter highlights their growing importance in shaping the future of sustainable urbanism. With a multidisciplinary approach, this volume examines the core principles of eco-urbanism as key drivers of urban sustainability. It emphasizes how cities can optimize resource efficiency, mitigate climate impacts, enhance biodiversity, and foster more livable and resilient urban environments through integrated strategies and forward-thinking planning. It compiles theoretical frameworks, synthesized evidence, international case studies, and practical applications to foster a shared understanding of how ecological planning, technological advancements, and sustainable resource management contribute to climate-resilient urban systems. Structured into three parts—covering (1) Green Infrastructure, Urban Sustainability, and Public Engagement; (2) Technological Innovations for Environmental Sustainability and Energy Solutions; and (3) Climate Adaptation, Circular Economy, and Ecological Strategies—this volume offers a multidimensional exploration of urban systems that align with the principles of ecological sustainability, climate-responsive planning, and environmental innovation. Bridging theory and practice, it serves as both a valuable resource and a compelling imperative by inspiring urban planners, policymakers, researchers, and community leaders to drive meaningful progress in shaping more resilient and ecologically balanced cities worldwide.
