What is a major consequence of urban sprawl?

Urban sprawl refers to the spreading out of a city and its suburbs over more and more rural land, often characterized by low-density housing and a reliance on automobiles for transportation. A significant consequence of urban sprawl is the increased traffic congestion it creates. As cities expand, the distances between residential areas, workplaces, and amenities increase, leading to a greater dependency on cars. This results in more vehicles on the roads, which can lead to traffic jams, longer commute times, and increased fuel consumption.

Additionally, urban sprawl often leads to environmental degradation. As more land is developed for housing and commercial purposes, natural habitats are destroyed, and ecosystems are disrupted. This can contribute to problems such as loss of biodiversity, increased air and water pollution, and higher carbon emissions due to vehicle dependency. Thus, the issues of increased traffic congestion and environmental degradation are closely linked, making this choice a clear consequence of urban sprawl.