Thesis Abstract

Abstract
Urban sprawl has been a prominent feature of urban development in many regions around the world over the past few decades. The legacy of sprawl encompasses a range of social, economic, and environmental impacts that have significant implications for urban planning, sustainability, and quality of life. This research project aims to explore and analyze the legacy of sprawl, focusing on its effects on community cohesion, transportation patterns, land use, and environmental degradation. The social impacts of sprawl are multifaceted, with studies indicating that low-density, car-dependent developments can lead to social isolation, reduced sense of community, and unequal access to essential services. These factors can contribute to increased social inequalities and decreased overall well-being within sprawling urban areas. Additionally, the economic consequences of sprawl are substantial, as the infrastructure and maintenance costs associated with servicing low-density developments often outweigh the tax revenues they generate. This can place a significant financial burden on local governments and taxpayers, leading to budget constraints and limited resources for essential public services. From an environmental perspective, sprawl is associated with various negative effects, including habitat loss, air and water pollution, and increased greenhouse gas emissions. The conversion of natural landscapes into urban areas can result in the fragmentation and destruction of ecosystems, threatening biodiversity and ecosystem services. Moreover, the reliance on automobiles in sprawling communities contributes to traffic congestion, air pollution, and adverse health outcomes for residents. Transportation patterns in sprawling urban areas also play a crucial role in shaping the legacy of sprawl. The lack of efficient public transportation systems and the emphasis on automobile use can lead to increased traffic congestion, longer commute times, and reduced accessibility for non-motorized modes of transport. These factors not only contribute to environmental degradation but also impact the overall quality of life for residents, affecting their physical health, mental well-being, and overall satisfaction with their living environment. In conclusion, the legacy of sprawl is characterized by a complex interplay of social, economic, and environmental factors that have long-lasting implications for urban development. By understanding and addressing these impacts, urban planners and policymakers can work towards creating more sustainable, resilient, and livable cities for current and future generations.

Thesis Overview

INTRODUCTION

Biological diversity (or biodiversity, for short) is the variety of life on Earth and the interactions, cycles, and processes of nature that link it all together. In its broadest definition, biodiversity includes individual species, the genetic diversity within species, the natural communities in which these species interact, and the ecosystems and landscapes in which species evolve and coexist (Noss and Cooperrider 1994). Although conservation efforts to protect biodiversity tend to focus on unique plants or rare animals, biodiversity actually encompasses all nature, including both common and rare components and even more obscure organisms such as fungi and microbes.