Urban sprawl is a settlement pattern characterised by low-density development around cities, and is therefore associated with large land requirements and the destruction of natural habitats and their biodiversity. In response, policymakers have introduced regulations to curb urban sprawl and promote urban densification. However, increasing urban density is accompanied by a decrease in urban green spaces, which undermines the ability of ecosystems to cool the urban climate and positively influence the well-being of citizens. Furthermore, the loss of green infrastructure, particularly in low-income neighbourhoods, raises issues of environmental justice.
Urban sprawl and urban green spaces
Urban sprawl is a settlement pattern characterised by low-density development around cities, and is therefore associated with large land requirements and the destruction of natural habitats and their biodiversity. In response, policymakers have introduced regulations to curb urban sprawl and promote urban densification. However, increasing urban density is accompanied by a decrease in urban green spaces, which undermines the ability of ecosystems to cool the urban climate and positively influence the well-being of citizens. Furthermore, the loss of green infrastructure, particularly in low-income neighbourhoods, raises issues of environmental justice.
Nº 57
Sydney
- Land, Food & Agriculture
- Restoration & Preservation of Ecosystems & Land
- Preservation of Land
some attempts made
past case
Region-1
Region-2
Region-3
Region-4
ongoing case
no attempts made
Urban sprawl and urban green spaces
A study in Sydney found a negative relationship between tree cover and urban density. As housing density increased, tree cover decreased. It also found that green space increased with socio-economic status.
- Frustrated the efforts to address the initial problem
- Cascading (far-reaching effects following each other)
Lin, B., Meyers, J., & Barnett, G. (2015). Understanding the potential loss and inequities of green space distribution with urban densification. Urban Forestry & Urban Greening, 14(4), 952–958. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ufug.2015.09.003
Robinson, L., Newell, J. P., & Marzluff, J. M. (2005). Twenty-five years of sprawl in the Seattle region: growth management responses and implications for conservation. Landscape and Urban planning, 71(1), 51-72. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.landurbplan.2004.02.005
Lin, B., Meyers, J., & Barnett, G. (2015). Understanding the potential loss and inequities of green space distribution with urban densification. Urban Forestry & Urban Greening, 14(4), 952–958. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ufug.2015.09.003
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