City Growth & Impacts
What is urbanization?
The process by which cities grow as populations increase and people move from rural to urban areas.
Define urban sprawl.
The uncontrolled expansion of urban areas into surrounding rural land.
What is the main goal of smart growth?
To develop communities that are environmentally sustainable, economically viable, and socially equitable.
What is green infrastructure?
A network of natural and semi-natural systems that manage water, improve air, and support biodiversity in urban areas.
What is land-use planning?
The process of managing how land is developed and conserved to balance human needs with environmental protection.
How does urbanization affect local air quality?
It increases air pollution due to vehicle emissions, industry, and construction.
What is one environmental impact of urban sprawl?
Loss of farmland and open space, leading to decreased biodiversity and increased vehicle pollution.
Name two principles of smart growth.
Compact building design and walkable neighborhoods (other examples: preserving open space, variety of housing choices).
Give two examples of green infrastructure.
Green roofs, rain gardens, permeable pavements, urban forests, or bioswales.
Name one type of protected area that helps with urban conservation.
Urban parks, greenbelts, or nature reserves.
Name one major impact of urbanization on water systems.
Increased runoff and water pollution from impervious surfaces like roads and buildings.
How does sprawl affect transportation and energy use?
It increases reliance on cars and fossil fuels, raising greenhouse gas emissions.
How does public transportation support smart growth?
It reduces car dependency, lowers emissions, and makes cities more accessible.
How do green spaces benefit city residents?
They improve air quality, reduce stress, promote recreation, and provide ecosystem services.
How do land-use policies support sustainability?
They guide development to minimize habitat loss and resource depletion while promoting livable communities.
Explain how urban heat islands form.
Cities absorb and retain heat due to dark surfaces, limited vegetation, and human activity.
Explain how zoning laws can contribute to sprawl.
Zoning that separates residential, commercial, and industrial areas forces longer commutes and spread-out development.
Explain how mixed-use development helps sustainability.
It combines homes, businesses, and services in one area, reducing travel needs and fostering community.
What role do trees play in managing stormwater in cities?
They absorb rainwater and reduce runoff, helping prevent flooding and pollution.
What is one challenge of implementing sustainable land-use policies?
Balancing economic growth with conservation and community needs.
How can urban growth lead to habitat fragmentation?
Expanding cities divide natural habitats, isolating wildlife populations and reducing biodiversity.
What is one strategy cities can use to limit sprawl?
Encourage higher-density housing or mixed-use development to reduce land consumption.
Give one example of a smart growth success story or practice.
Examples: Portland’s urban growth boundary, New York’s green building initiatives, or Singapore’s urban greening programs.
Explain how green infrastructure reduces the urban heat island effect.
It increases shade and evapotranspiration, cooling the air naturally.
How can cities encourage conservation through policy?
Offer tax incentives, zoning regulations, or conservation easements to protect natural areas.