Urbanization and population growth significantly impact the environment through various forms of pollution and habitat destruction. Air pollution is a major concern in cities, as a substantial portion of urban residents breathe contaminated air, affecting public health.
Animals cannot use their full territories or migrate from place to place. Urban sprawl can destroy entire forests, grasslands, and wetlands. When habitat is destroyed, animals are forced to move. Animals and plants that cannot adapt are reduced in number or die
loss of arable land
As populations increase, there is greater stress on the soil. More people are growing crops and raising livestock. As the soil becomes over-farmed, it loses nutrients. The soil dries up and blows away. Eventually the land is no longer arable.
deforestaiton
Forests absorb and store carbon. This reduces the effects of carbon dioxide emissions, which cause global warming. However, forests near cities are often cut down to make way for new factories and housing
soil polluiton
Many waste materials, especially electronic waste such as computers and televisions, contain toxic pollutants. As the waste breaks down, pollutants can be released into the soil
water pollution
The more than 9 million residents of Jakarta, Indonesia, create more waste than the city can manage. As a result, much of the garbage is thrown directly into local rivers
air pollution
About 90 percent of city dwellers in Europe, including those in Paris, France, breathe in polluted air When people are exposed to pollutants, their health can be harmed.
light pollution
Lights in skyscrapers that are left on all night result in the deaths of nearly one billion birds every year. Birds, especially those migrating at night, strike the windows because they are attracted to the lights.