Chapter 32. Chapter 32: Urbanization and Sustainable Communities

What environmental problems does suburban sprawl generate?

Why You Should Care

You’ve already learned that people living in the United States have some of the largest ecological footprints in the world: Suburban sprawl has contributed a lot to this issue. In the suburbs, there is more developed land, asphalt, and energy used per person than for residents of cities. This is because homes are more spread out, detached homes are harder to heat and cool, and public transportation is less extensive, if it exists. Citizens of the United States are victims of what are usually seen as positives: their sense of independence and individuality, and their land. Suburbs aren’t unique to the United States, but the United States is one of the few countries where suburbs could be as expansive and having a car become a near necessity. Getting a driver’s license has become a rite of passage; only for city dwellers would it not seem odd nowadays not to have one. For many years, the prospect of a long commute was outweighed by the possibility of owning a house and land, and all the other benefits of suburban life. The tide is starting to swing the other way, however. More and more people are realizing the benefits of living within walking distance to work and the things one needs; for the environmentally conscious, the added benefit of reducing one’s carbon footprint may not be a deal maker but will at least be an added plus.