Urbanization and Its Impacts

Mr. Smith discusses urbanization, its environmental impacts, and solutions. Urbanization transforms natural landscapes into urban areas, leading to issues like CO2 emissions, increased runoff, and saltwater intrusion. Population trends show a shift from rural to urban and suburban areas, causing urban sprawl. Solutions include urban growth boundaries and efficient public transport.

What is urbanization primarily about?

• Reducing urban population

• Preserving natural landscapes

• Converting urban landscapes into natural ones

• Converting natural landscapes into urban ones

What is a major consequence of replacing pervious land with impervious surfaces?

• Increased groundwater recharge

• Decreased CO2 emissions

• Decreased urban runoff

• Increased urban runoff

Which of the following contributes to CO2 emissions during urbanization?

• Planting more trees

• Using renewable energy

• Construction machinery

• Reducing waste

What is saltwater intrusion?

• Freshwater seeping into the ocean

• Saltwater seeping into freshwater sources

• Increased rainfall in coastal areas

• Decreased sea levels

What is a significant trend in population movement from 1950 to 2000?

• No significant movement

• Shift from suburban to rural areas

• Shift from rural to urban and suburban areas

• Shift from urban to rural areas

What is one cause of urban sprawl?

• Expensive public transport

• High property values in suburbs

• Low property values in cities

• Cheaper property values in suburbs

How does the expansion of highways contribute to urban sprawl?

• It reduces the need for cars

• It decreases gasoline consumption

• It makes commuting from suburbs easier

• It increases public transport usage

What is an urban growth boundary?

• A zoning law to contain city expansion

• A new type of public transport

• A method to increase urban sprawl

• A limit on city population

What is mixed land-use?

• Separating residential and business areas

• Building only residential areas

• Focusing on industrial development

• Combining residential, business, and entertainment areas

What is a potential economic consequence of implementing an urban growth boundary?

• Higher property values within the boundary

• Reduced public transport efficiency

• Decreased property values in cities

• Increased urban sprawl