Which of the following is a major consequence of urban sprawl?

Urban sprawl refers to the uncontrolled expansion of urban areas into surrounding rural land. One of the most significant consequences of this phenomenon is the loss of agricultural land. As cities and suburbs grow, they often encroach onto fertile farmland, leading to its conversion into residential or commercial properties. This not only diminishes the land available for food production but can also disrupt local ecosystems and agriculture-dependent economies.

The encroachment on agricultural land can lead to a host of other issues such as decreased biodiversity, increased pollution from urban runoff, and a higher carbon footprint due to the increased distance food may need to travel to reach urban centers. This consequence is reflective of broader patterns in land use change associated with sprawling urban developments, emphasizing the importance of sustainable urban planning to protect valuable agricultural resources.