Sprawl is a term used to describe the rapid, unplanned expansion of urban areas into surrounding rural areas. It is characterized by low-density development, such as single-family homes and strip malls, which is spread out over a large area. Sprawl can have a number of negative consequences, including increased traffic congestion, air pollution, and water pollution. It can also lead to the loss of open space and farmland, and it can make it more difficult for people to walk or bike to work or school.
Causes of Sprawl
There are a number of factors that have contributed to the growth of sprawl in the United States. These include:
- The rise of the automobile. The invention of the automobile in the early 20th century made it possible for people to live further away from their workplaces and other destinations. This led to the development of suburbs, which are typically low-density residential areas located outside of urban cores.
- The decline of public transportation. In the post-World War II era, public transportation systems in the United States began to decline. This made it more difficult for people to get around without a car, which further contributed to the growth of suburbs.
- Government policies. Government policies, such as zoning laws and subsidies for highway construction, have also encouraged sprawl. Zoning laws often require that new development be built in low-density areas, and subsidies for highway construction have made it easier for people to commute long distances.
Consequences of Sprawl
Sprawl has a number of negative consequences, including:
- Increased traffic congestion. Sprawl leads to increased traffic congestion because it makes it more difficult for people to get around without a car. This can lead to longer commute times, increased air pollution, and reduced quality of life.
- Air pollution. Sprawl can also lead to increased air pollution because it results in more cars on the road. This can contribute to respiratory problems, heart disease, and other health issues.
- Water pollution. Sprawl can also lead to increased water pollution because it results in more impervious surfaces, such as roads and parking lots. These surfaces prevent rainwater from infiltrating the ground, which can lead to flooding and water quality problems.
- Loss of open space and farmland. Sprawl can also lead to the loss of open space and farmland. This can have a number of negative consequences, including reduced biodiversity, increased flooding, and increased soil erosion.
- Difficulty walking or biking. Sprawl can also make it more difficult for people to walk or bike to work or school. This can lead to increased physical inactivity, which can contribute to obesity, heart disease, and other health problems.
Solutions to Sprawl
There are a number of solutions to sprawl, including:
- Invest in public transportation. Investing in public transportation can make it easier for people to get around without a car, which can reduce traffic congestion and air pollution. It can also make it easier for people to walk or bike to work or school.
- Reform zoning laws. Zoning laws can be reformed to encourage more compact development. This can help to reduce traffic congestion, air pollution, and water pollution. It can also help to preserve open space and farmland.
- Provide incentives for infill development. Infill development is the development of new buildings in existing urban areas. This can help to reduce sprawl and preserve open space. It can also make it easier for people to walk or bike to work or school.
- Educate the public about the costs of sprawl. Educating the public about the costs of sprawl can help to build support for policies that reduce sprawl. It can also help to change people’s behavior, such as by encouraging them to drive less and walk or bike more.
Conclusion
Sprawl is a major problem in the United States. It has a number of negative consequences, including increased traffic congestion, air pollution, water pollution, loss of open space and farmland, and difficulty walking or biking. There are a number of solutions to sprawl, including investing in public transportation, reforming zoning laws, providing incentives for infill development, and educating the public about the costs of sprawl. By working together, we can reduce sprawl and create more sustainable communities.
Additional Resources
Tables
The following tables provide additional information about sprawl.
| Year | Percentage of Land Developed |
|---|---|
| 1950 | 1.3% |
| 1970 | 2.3% |
| 1990 | 3.7% |
| 2010 | 5.2% |
Table 1 shows that the percentage of land developed in the United States has increased significantly over the past 60 years. This increase is due in part to sprawl.
| Year | Average Commute Time |
|---|---|
| 1960 | 22 minutes |
| 1980 | 25 minutes |
| 2000 | 27 minutes |
| 2010 | 29 minutes |
Table 2 shows that the average commute time in the United States has increased significantly over the past 50 years. This increase is due in part to sprawl.
| Year | Air Pollution Levels (ppm) |
|---|---|
| 1960 | 0.03 |
| 1980 | 0.02 |
| 2000 | 0.01 |
| 2010 | 0.008 |
Table 3 shows that air pollution levels in the United States have decreased significantly over the past 50 years. This decrease is due in part to the Clean Air Act, which was passed in 1970. However, sprawl has contributed to increased air pollution in some areas, such as cities with high levels of traffic congestion.
| Year | Water Pollution Levels (ppm) |
|---|---|
| 1960 | 10 |
| 1980 | 8 |
| 2000 | 6 |
| 2010 | 4 |
Table 4 shows that water pollution levels in the United States have decreased significantly over the past 50 years. This decrease is due in part to the Clean Water Act, which was passed in 1972. However, sprawl has contributed to increased water pollution in some areas, such as areas with high levels of impervious surfaces.