As cities expand they impact on the surrounding areas - Leaving Cert Geography - Question 1 - 2020

A notable example of this is the expansion of Los Angeles, where suburban developments have taken over agricultural lands and natural habitats in the surrounding areas.

Urban sprawl leads to various socio-economic and environmental implications. For instance, it can cause an increase in reliance on automobiles, leading to greater traffic congestion and air pollution. Furthermore, as cities expand, they often encroach upon natural ecosystems, leading to habitat destruction and biodiversity loss. The loss of agricultural land can also affect local food production and contribute to food insecurity.

Moreover, the expansion of cities tends to create socio-economic divides, where wealthier populations move to suburban areas while less affluent residents remain in urban cores, exacerbating inequality. It’s important to consider these varying impacts holistically when discussing urban expansion.