Lyla Bouchard - Outside reading: Understanding Global Change: Urbanization

  

Urbanization is occurring rapidly as our population grows and has many negative environmental effects. One major impact is deforestation, which leads to habitat loss and decreases biodiversity. Urban environments disrupt ecosystems and can alter the characteristics of species living in these areas. Urbanization also leads to an increase in the spread of invasive species, which are introduced by humans moving to these areas. Another impact of urbanization is urban heat islands, which is caused by materials such as asphalt, which absorb and retain heat from the sun. Urban heat islands contribute to higher temperatures, ultimately contributing to climate change. Paved surfaces cause water runoff, which reduces soil quality and adds pollutants to streams and rivers. Urban areas also contribute significantly to pollution by burning fossil fuels in concentrated areas. Despite the harmful effects of urbanization, urban development continues to expand even though the consequences are known. 

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