The Ecological Effects of Urbanization

The effects of urbanization can be far reaching and devastating. If planning is not properly completed, animals, plants and people may suffer from the effects. People, for most of human history, have lived within nature. Recently, with the expansion of cities, most people are now living in cities. If cities are not built by respecting nature, the nature people are accustomed to will never be the same.

Heat Islands

• Heat islands are created by the use of energy within an urban area. The consumption of the energy can actually change the weather in the local area. This happens due to the fact that large cities release heat up into the atmosphere. Cities are typically warmer than a rural area and this is due to the heat island affect. Heat islands also make urban areas a trap for pollution. There is a higher frequency of fog, and thunderstorms and hail occur more often in an urban area.

Regional Environment

• Urban areas also affect a larger regional environment. Typically, regions that are downwind from cities or larger industrial complexes have an increase in precipitation. These areas generally see higher rates of air pollution and of thunderstorms. These areas also see a lesser amount of snow.

Habitat

• If urban areas are not properly planned, the effects on habitats for many animals can be devastating. In recent years, developers have been more cautious and educated; however, animal habitat is not always taken into consideration. Without help from conservationists, animals and their habitats are adversely affected by urbanization.

Water

• Because the urban areas have a higher rate of pollution, water near these areas is sometimes affected. Runoff is high in urban areas, especially ones that are not properly planned and developed. Whatever biodiversity lives downstream from an urban area will likely feel the effects of the pollution.