What is a significant environmental concern associated with urbanization?

Urbanization often leads to a significant reduction of agricultural land due to the expansion of cities and infrastructure to accommodate growing populations. As urban areas expand, farmland is frequently converted into residential, commercial, or industrial spaces, which diminishes the amount of land available for agriculture. This loss not only affects local food production but can also lead to reliance on food sources that may be located far away, increasing transportation emissions and contributing to environmental issues.

In contrast, urbanization typically does not lead to increased biodiversity or stabilization of wildlife populations; instead, it can threaten existing ecosystems. While there can be public green spaces created within cities, these do not offset the overall impact urban sprawl has on agricultural land and ecosystems. Thus, the reduction of agricultural land stands out as a critical concern linked to the processes and demands of urban development.