The Impact of Urban Sprawl on Cities

What is urban sprawl?

Urban sprawl refers to...

Urban Sprawl Definition

Urban sprawl refers to the rapid expansion of a city into the surrounding countryside, resulting in the development of suburbs and exurbs.

Urban sprawl is a phenomenon characterized by the rapid and often unplanned spread of a city into its surrounding areas. As cities grow, they expand outward, leading to the development of suburbs and exurbs. This expansion results in various issues and impacts on the urban environment and its residents.

One of the key features of urban sprawl is the spread of low-density residential areas outside the city limits. This growth leads to increased dependence on personal vehicles, longer commuting times, and the loss of open spaces and agricultural lands. Additionally, urban sprawl can contribute to environmental degradation, air and water pollution, and the fragmentation of ecosystems.

As urban areas continue to sprawl, they face challenges such as inefficient land use, higher infrastructure costs, and decreased social interaction among residents. Addressing urban sprawl requires comprehensive urban planning and smart growth policies to promote sustainable development, compact city designs, and the preservation of green spaces.