Is urban sprawl the root of environmental problems?
On One Hand: History and BenefitsUrban sprawl is responsible for many of the lifestyle luxuries citizens appreciate today. Suburban living–or decentralized living, known also as “urban sprawl”–took off in the post-World War II era and was made accessible by the advent of the major highway. Suburban living has offered families the option of combining the comfort of single family homes on private, sizable lots. Consequently, low-density communities provide a peace and quiet incomparable to the crowds and noise associated with city living.On the Other: Then Again…Urban sprawl is often blamed as the root of environmental problems. Suburban living is defined by expanse and therefore requires the use of automobiles. Heavily reliant upon cars and trucks for transportation, urban sprawl contributes to traffic congestion, air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions. Suburban living, according to the Center for Disease Control, also contributes to ineffective usage of land, water pollution an
