What is a significant downside of urban sprawl?

A significant downside of urban sprawl is the encroachment on farmland and long-distance commuting. As cities expand outward to accommodate a growing population or to provide affordable housing, they often consume surrounding agricultural land. This not only reduces the availability of farmland but also leads to the fragmentation of ecosystems and natural habitats, which can have long-term environmental impacts.

Moreover, urban sprawl typically encourages a reliance on automobiles for transportation due to the increased distances between homes, workplaces, and essential services. Long-distance commuting can result in greater traffic congestion, elevated greenhouse gas emissions, and decreased quality of life for residents, as they spend more time traveling to and from their destinations. This pattern often creates a cycle of further sprawl as infrastructure struggles to keep up with the rapid expansion of residential areas, leading to increased pressure on transportation systems and urban services. Therefore, the encroachment on farmland and the implications of long-distance commuting represent a critical downside of urban sprawl, emphasizing the challenges associated with this form of urban development.