What is urban sprawl?
Urban sprawl is the expansion of cities into natural areas.
It pushes wildlife such as animals, fungi, and plants, out of their homes and disrupts delicate ecosystems.
When people build houses, roads, and stores on newly developed land, animals have a hard time finding food, water, and safe places to live. Some animals, like squirrels and raccoons, are good at living near people. But others, like frogs and dragonflies, need special habitats that disappear when cities and towns grow.
This doesn’t have to happen, and we can make choices to prevent it. When we buy homes or shop in places that used to be forests, deserts, prairies, or wetlands, we contribute to urban sprawl.
Instead, we can choose to live closer to workplaces, schools, and city centers, in homes that already exist. This reduces the need to build farther into natural habitats and helps wildlife stay safe in their environments.
A powerful way to help is by learning about the products we use every day. Materials like wood and palm oil are linked to deforestation at home and around the world. Choosing sustainably sourced products or going without some everyday luxuries can help protect wildlife.
We can also research how our communities plan to grow; support city planning that prioritizes building up instead of out. Suggest more affordable housing within existing urban areas, and promote the use of native plant species in recreational spaces. You can also preserve natural areas, volunteer to restore habitats, and advocate for wildlife corridors that connect habitats to one another.
Preventing urban sprawl starts with thoughtful choices about where we live, how we consume, and how we advocate for the earth. Together, we can protect nature and create a future where wildlife and people thrive.
