The Environment Magazine

Gavin He
Campolindo High School, Lafayette, CA 94556 

Urban sprawl, or suburbanization, is defined as the spreading of urban development on undeveloped land near a city. This term may not be familiar to the average person, but for environmentalists, this term is being used increasingly often and with more alarm. Urban sprawl has been recognized as a problem in many parts of the world. Urban sprawl started with the Industrial Revolution in the 19th century when economic and population growth controlled the migration of people from rural to urban areas. These areas required their inhabitants to get around in cars, and as the use of automobiles became more and more common, suburbanization spread. 

Since the 1970s, the population in suburban areas has grown significantly, leading to widespread urban sprawl becoming a global concern. The United Nations Population Division reports that in 1950, only 29% of the world’s population resided in urban areas. By the 2000s this percentage increased to around 49 percent. In developed countries, this number is much higher. For example, in the U.S., the population in urban areas rose from 64 percent in 1950 to 81 percent in 2007.

Urban sprawl has many negative impacts on the environment, social life, and the economy of cities. Urban expansion reduces habitats and agricultural land, harming local ecosystems. If habitats disappear, we could witness a trophic cascade, the collapse of an ecosystem, leading to wildlife disappearing from the area completely. Land for agriculture is also important, both for the people living in the area and for the people in the city, because without food grown on farms, they cannot survive. Urban sprawl hurts the social life of residents. A lack of public spaces limits the opportunities for citizens to meet each other and interact. This can lead to social segregation, where the people living in these areas can become isolated from the rest of the community. Lastly, the impact on the economy is negative as well. On the surface, extensive housing and commercial zones are economic gold mines for businesses. The construction of homes, stores, and office buildings creates more employment opportunities. However, this development drains local environmental resources and shifts the economic burden of development to longtime residents, increases transportation and energy costs, and lowers the benefits of the community. The transformation of areas around cities, such as the development of high-rise buildings, commercial centers, and transportation networks, like the extensive metro systems in cities such as New York and Tokyo has significantly altered the landscape, contributing to challenges like congestion, environmental degradation, and housing affordability.

 The spread of suburbs in cities like Los Angeles, where residential areas extend far into surrounding rural land, leads to longer commuting times and increased dependency on cars. To address these negative effects of urban sprawl, cities can implement several different solutions. Improving public transportation and creating walkable, bike-friendly cities reduce the need for transport. Limiting car use further lowers the strain on the environment and cuts pollution. Building more public spaces, such as parks and community centers, creates a sense of community and belonging. Additionally, developing affordable housing close to the city and prioritizing community-focused planning over housing construction will help mitigate suburbanization and create more cohesive urban environments. Designing neighborhoods with pedestrian-friendly infrastructure, such as sidewalks and bike lanes, would encourage walking, cycling, and reduce reliance on motor vehicles. Upgrading and repurposing old buildings and infrastructure to meet modern needs reduces the need for new developments and preserving historical sites. In sum, addressing urban sprawl through sustainable planning and community-focused development is essential for preserving natural resources, fostering social cohesion, and supporting economic resilience in our growing cities.

References

Rafferty, John P. “Costs of Urban Sprawl.” Britannica, http://www.britannica.com/topic/urban-sprawl/Costs-of-urban-sprawl.

Resnik, David B. “Urban Sprawl, Smart Growth, and Deliberative Democracy.” National Library of Medicine, American Journal of Public Health, Oct. 2010, pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC2936977/. 

“Urban Sprawl: A Growing Problem.” The Yale Ledger, campuspress.yale.edu/ledger/urban-sprawl-a-growing-problem/.