Thesis Abstract

Abstract
The legacy of urban sprawl is a complex and multifaceted issue that has significant implications for urban planning, environmental sustainability, and social equity. Urban sprawl is characterized by low-density, automobile-dependent development patterns that result in the inefficient use of land, increased infrastructure costs, and environmental degradation. This research project aims to explore the various dimensions of the legacy of sprawl, focusing on its impacts on land use, transportation systems, social dynamics, and ecological health. Through a comprehensive literature review and case studies of cities affected by sprawl, this research will examine the long-term consequences of sprawl and the challenges it poses for creating more sustainable and resilient urban environments. The findings will contribute to a better understanding of the complexities of sprawl and provide insights into potential strategies for mitigating its negative effects. Key areas of investigation include the environmental impacts of sprawl, such as habitat loss, air and water pollution, and increased energy consumption. The research will also analyze the social implications of sprawl, including issues of social segregation, economic disparities, and limited access to essential services in sprawling communities. By examining the relationship between land use patterns and transportation systems, this project will assess the role of sprawl in contributing to traffic congestion, air pollution, and public health concerns. Moreover, the research will investigate the challenges of retrofitting existing sprawl developments to promote more sustainable land use and transportation practices. This will involve analyzing successful examples of smart growth initiatives, transit-oriented development, and mixed-use planning strategies that aim to combat the negative impacts of sprawl and create more livable and vibrant urban environments. In conclusion, the legacy of sprawl represents a critical challenge for contemporary urban planning and development efforts. By understanding the complex interplay of factors that contribute to sprawl and its consequences for environmental quality, social equity, and economic vitality, policymakers and planners can work towards creating more sustainable, resilient, and inclusive cities. This research project seeks to contribute to this goal by providing valuable insights into the legacy of sprawl and potential pathways for addressing its negative impacts.

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.