Urban sprawl

Definition

Urban sprawl refers to the uncontrolled expansion of urban areas into the surrounding rural land, often characterized by low-density development, automobile dependence, and the spreading out of infrastructure. This phenomenon raises significant concerns about environmental sustainability, community cohesion, and resource management as cities grow outward rather than upward or through infill development.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Urban sprawl can lead to increased traffic congestion as more people rely on cars for transportation, contributing to higher greenhouse gas emissions.
2. This phenomenon often results in the loss of agricultural land and natural habitats, posing threats to biodiversity and ecosystem health.
3. Urban sprawl can create social challenges by fostering isolated communities that lack adequate public services, schools, and recreational facilities.
4. The increased distance between homes and jobs in sprawling areas can lead to longer commute times, impacting residents' quality of life and well-being.
5. Addressing urban sprawl often requires comprehensive urban planning strategies that emphasize mixed-use development and public transit options.

Review Questions

• How does urban sprawl impact transportation systems in expanding cities?
  • Urban sprawl significantly affects transportation systems by increasing reliance on cars for commuting. As cities expand outward, residents often find themselves living farther from their workplaces, resulting in longer commute times and increased traffic congestion. This reliance on automobiles not only contributes to higher carbon emissions but also necessitates more extensive road infrastructure, which can strain local resources and budgets.
• Evaluate the environmental consequences of urban sprawl on local ecosystems and agricultural lands.
  • The environmental consequences of urban sprawl are profound, as it leads to the encroachment of urban development onto agricultural lands and natural habitats. This expansion often results in habitat fragmentation, threatening wildlife populations and reducing biodiversity. Additionally, as rural land is developed, it can lead to soil erosion and water runoff issues, impacting local water quality and contributing to the loss of arable land necessary for food production.
• Assess the effectiveness of strategies such as Smart Growth in combating the negative effects of urban sprawl.
  • Strategies like Smart Growth have proven effective in addressing the negative impacts of urban sprawl by promoting sustainable development practices. By focusing on compact, mixed-use developments and enhancing public transit systems, Smart Growth encourages communities to reduce car dependency while preserving green spaces. These strategies not only help mitigate traffic congestion and environmental degradation but also foster stronger community ties by creating walkable neighborhoods with accessible amenities.

Related terms

Smart Growth: A planning approach that aims to create sustainable and environmentally-friendly urban spaces by promoting compact, transit-oriented development and preserving open spaces.

Suburbanization: The process by which people move from urban centers to suburban areas, leading to the growth of these outlying communities and often contributing to urban sprawl.

Greenfield Development: The construction of new buildings on previously undeveloped land, usually in rural areas, which is a common result of urban sprawl.