What is a significant environmental effect of urban development?

Urban development significantly impacts the environment, particularly through the reduction of green spaces and habitats. As cities expand, natural landscapes are often transformed into infrastructure such as roads, buildings, and parking lots. This transformation leads to the destruction of habitats that various species rely on, contributing to a loss of biodiversity.

The reduction of green spaces not only affects plants and wildlife but also diminishes the ecosystem services that these areas provide. Green spaces play vital roles in carbon sequestration, air quality improvement, stormwater management, and temperature regulation. When these areas are compromised, cities can experience increased surface runoff, urban heat island effects, and poorer air quality.

In contrast, increased biodiversity is typically not associated with urban development, as it often leads to habitat fragmentation and the introduction of invasive species, which can further threaten native species. While urban development can sometimes lead to improved water quality or air quality in specific situations, these outcomes are not the typical result of extensive urbanization.