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A sprawl pattern of development not only leads to loss of wildlife habitat, but can also increases hazards to public safety. Wetlands and other natural resources are also put at risk by increased land consumption for roads and housing development.
photo provided by the
Int'l Dark Sky Association
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Light pollution is one of the least discussed, but most significant, environmental consequences of sprawl. As metropolitan areas continue to expand dramatically, so does urban sky glow -- obscuring the stars and other celestial objects. Because the loss of the dark night sky occurs gradually over many years, it's a problem that often goes unnoticed.
Note: the International Dark Sky Association has extensive resources available on their web site on outdoor lighting regulations, and links to municipalities which have sought to control lighting.
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As author E. Annie Proulx has noted, "Our children are growing up blind to the sky, the first generation not to know its extraordinary beauty. It is a bitter loss." From, "The Death of the Night," in Planning Commissioners Journal, May/June 1992 (to read additional excerpts from her article).
-- see also, "Understanding Light Pollution," by astronomer David L. Crawford (also in the May/June 1992 PCJ; for excerpts)
-- as mentioned, excellent resources on light pollution are available at the International Dark-Sky Association's web site.
Wetlands & natural areas
The National Wildlife Federation considers sprawl development one of the top threats to wetlands nationwide. See their information on:
-- Wetlands
Wildlife
Sprawling development has led to increased conflicts between people and wildlife. As reported by Christine Kreyling in "Not So Wild Things" in the October 2001 issue of Planning:
"Humans, because of population increases and sprawling patterns of development, invade wildlife habitat. The invaders expect Nature to be picturesque and want to live right next to it. But they also want gardens and landscaping, and they want Fido to be free to roam without becoming coyote bait."
Global Warming is a question we will be dealing with for decades to come. The National Academies' National Research Council, in a report requested by President George Bush, warned that worldwide temperatures have been rising, and will likely continue to rise between 2.5 and 10.4 degrees Fahrenheit by the end of the 21st century. The report found the greenhouse gas of most concern to be carbon dioxide, which has increased largely because of the burning of fossil fuels. See A Closer Look At Global Warming; see also Abrupt Climate Change report
Sprawl is linked to global warming because this land use pattern has led to increased use of automobiles, and sharply increased vehicle miles travelled.
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