IMPACT OF URBANIZATION ON THE ENVIRONMENT
- Increased energy consumption
- Increases demand on resources and goods use including but not limited to fossil fuels, food, water, transportation, entertainment (Computers, Televisions...)
- Deforestation and habitat degradation to build and expand cities
- Pollution from factories, transportation and industrial run of
- Formation of urban heat islands disrupting the circulation and exchange of heat and air through the environment
- Large impact on the natural water cycle leading to increases in urban flooding
Population growth and urbanization go hand in hand. More people undoubtedly will lead to an increased demand of social and economic centers. This demand for growth has a profound effect on the green space and natural areas that surround an urban center. In the chart below it is easy to see that as population in The United States increased so did the number of species put on the endangered list. Between 1980 and 1984 the two lines actually follow the same pattern, with the number of endangered species increasing far more rapidly in the following years. While data for Canada and Mexico were unavailable it is safe to say that the pattern would hold true. Urbanization and expansion greatly impact the livelihood animal and plant life in the surrounding areas and habitat destruction is forcing many species to seek refuge in unfamiliar and areas that are less conducive to a healthy life style and breeding pattern.
(CLICK IMAGE TO ENLARGE)
Correlation Between Population Growth and Endangered Species
Population Growth by Country
Charts and Graphs are original. Please see links below for raw data sources.
Image from EPA website linked HERE
Urban heat islands are areas with in an urban sphere that have an elevated average temperature due to heat retention from asphalt, buildings and polluted air. Due to the increased heat retention the energy consumption in these areas takes a dramatic spike during the warmer months due to increased demands for air cooling. These higher temperatures also lead to an increase in emissions of greenhouse gasses that, in turn, make the problem worse. Outside of the local impact on the heat island, increased surface temperatures cause an increase in the temperature of rain water and run off that go through the water sewers. This heated water can , in large amounts, increase the temperature of the lakes and streams that it runs to. Elevated temperatures in aquatic habitats can greatly disrupt the life cycle of organisms living there and possibly lead to the death and extinction of species that are intolerant of the higher temperatures.
Endangered Species Data
For urban heat islands, I might focus on the broader effects, I don't think there is anything "doable" about fixing biodiversity in cities, but, rather, what can be done about preventing the city from affecting wildlife outside of the city? The figure is really good, though.
ReplyDeleteI'm not entirely convinced by the link between population growth and endangered species. There is a little correlation, but the case for causation is a bit weak. Maybe a little more info, case studies, etc? What else could correlate with the rise of endangered species number? Also, endangered species seem to be leveling off. Any explanation?