What is a common effect of urban sprawl?

What is a common effect of urban sprawl?

• A. Reduction of car dependency
• B. Increased open space and parks
• C. Enhanced public transportation options
• D. Environmental degradation and loss of open space

Answer: (D)

Urban sprawl often leads to environmental degradation and the loss of open space. As cities expand outward to accommodate growing populations, natural landscapes are frequently converted into developed areas, which can include residential neighborhoods, commercial centers, and infrastructure like roads. This transformation typically results in the destruction of habitats, reduced biodiversity, and increased pollution due to higher vehicle emissions and runoff from urbanized areas. Additionally, the expansion into previously undeveloped land diminishes green spaces and parks, which are essential for maintaining ecological balance and providing recreational areas for residents. The loss of these spaces can also contribute to issues such as urban heat islands and decreased air quality, further exacerbating environmental challenges. In contrast, the other options suggest benefits typically associated with more sustainable urban planning methods, such as increased public transportation options or reduction in car dependency, which are not commonly the outcomes of urban sprawl. Urban sprawl is often characterized by a reliance on automobiles, increased travel distances, and a lack of efficient public transport, leading to more traffic congestion and higher emissions.

Urban sprawl often leads to environmental degradation and the loss of open space. As cities expand outward to accommodate growing populations, natural landscapes are frequently converted into developed areas, which can include residential neighborhoods, commercial centers, and infrastructure like roads. This transformation typically results in the destruction of habitats, reduced biodiversity, and increased pollution due to higher vehicle emissions and runoff from urbanized areas.

Additionally, the expansion into previously undeveloped land diminishes green spaces and parks, which are essential for maintaining ecological balance and providing recreational areas for residents. The loss of these spaces can also contribute to issues such as urban heat islands and decreased air quality, further exacerbating environmental challenges.

In contrast, the other options suggest benefits typically associated with more sustainable urban planning methods, such as increased public transportation options or reduction in car dependency, which are not commonly the outcomes of urban sprawl. Urban sprawl is often characterized by a reliance on automobiles, increased travel distances, and a lack of efficient public transport, leading to more traffic congestion and higher emissions.