The Impact of Urbanization on Climate Change

Have you ever realized how urbanization is accelerating climate change? Urbanization is one of the major trends of the modern era as technology advances quickly and population growth accelerates (figure 1). It is undeniable that urbanization allows global economic growth and provides us with more benefits such as a more convenient life with a variety of access to services and more job opportunities, it also significantly harms the environment by contributing to climate change as a trade off. In the following blog, I will be showing the causal relationship between urbanization and climate change, explaining how urbanization related activities including transportation, energy consumption, and waste management are contributing to climate change. Understanding the causes and effects of urbanization on climate change allows us to pinpoint viable solutions and tactics for reducing its effects and building more resilient and sustainable cities. 

Figure 1 Urbanization.

One of the most significant ways that urbanization contributes to climate change is through transportation. As cities grow, the need for transportation rises. Fossil fuels used to power various modes of transportation release greenhouse gasses including carbon dioxide and methane into the atmosphere.  The accumulation of greenhouse gasses such as methane, nitrous oxide, and hydrofluorocarbons as well as carbon dioxide is warming the Earth's atmosphere, which is changing the climate we are already beginning to see (“Overview of Greenhouse Gases” 1). In addition, stop-and-go traffic and idle automobiles in urban region areas might result in an increase in emissions. Some ppl might argue that urbanization also leads to the increased use of public transportation and non-motorized transportation options such as walking and biking, which can reduce greenhouse gas emissions. However, these slight positive increases are insignificant when compared to the overall picture, and transportation is still a significant source of greenhouse gas emissions no matter what. According to the US EPA, transportation is the main source of greenhouse gas emissions in the United State, contributing roughly 29% of the country's overall emissions (figure 2). The transportation sector experienced the largest absolute rise in GHG emissions between 1990 and 2020. (“Carbon Pollution from Transportation.” 1)

Figure 2 Transportation contributes 29% of US’s total  emissions.

Another way urbanization contributes to climate change is through energy consumption. The need for energy to run homes, buildings, and industries rises along with urban population growth. In many metropolitan areas, particularly in developing nations where access to electricity is still dismal, fossil fuels are the main energy source. The burning of fossil fuels like coal, oil, and natural gas results in the release of greenhouse gasses including carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide. These supplies are limited. These gasses trap heat in the atmosphere, causing additional climate change consequences such as global warming. Together with the direct emissions brought on by energy use, the construction and upkeep of urban infrastructure also produces greenhouse gas emissions. Large amounts of energy are needed to produce and transport building materials like concrete and steel, and using heavy equipment like bulldozers and cranes during construction also produces emissions. After being constructed, urban infrastructure including buildings and roads need constant upkeep and repair, which significantly raises emissions. 

Figure 3 Urbanization causes the population to grow rapidly, which increases the need for space and energy use, which causes climate change and an increase in global temperatures.

            Waste management is an integral part of urbanization, but it also contributes to climate change. According to the Global Waste Management Outlook report, the management of solid waste accounts for 5% of global greenhouse gas emissions (15). This is mainly because organic waste decomposition in landfills releases methane, a significant greenhouse gas. Among all waste, daily food waste contributed the most in producing methane in landfills (figure 4). Over a 100-year period, methane has a warming effect that is 21–28 times greater than that of carbon dioxide (“Global Waste Management Outlook.” 7). Waste management generates transportation emissions in addition to methane emissions, which are covered in the last paragraph. Fossil fuels are the main source of energy used to power waste collection vehicles, transfer stations, and disposal facilities. As a result, carbon dioxide emissions exacerbate climate change. Moreover, the depletion of natural resources caused by waste management practices has an effect on the environment in addition to greenhouse gas emissions. The extraction and processing of raw materials are necessary for the creation of new goods and materials, which contributes to deforestation. Our greatest ally in slowing climate change is lost when we clear forests.

Figure 4 Food waste contributes to climate change by producing methane in landfills.

Some people may argue that the benefits of urbanization, such as economic growth, outweigh the negative impacts of climate change on the environment. They might mention how urbanization can lead to increases in living standards. They may also argue that transportation, energy consumption, and waste generation is unavoidable to sacrifice for economic growth. However, it's crucial to keep in mind that the long term effects of climate change could be disastrous and could ultimately jeopardize the very advancements that urbanization has brought. Urbanization's negative impacts on climate change will eventually bring back to people's health, social and economic stability, and national security. Furthermore, innovative technologies and practices are being developed that can support economic growth while reducing its impact on climate change. Therefore, rather than justifying the negative effects of urbanization on the environment, it is crucial to take proactive measures toward sustainable development that can benefit both people and the environment. 

In conclusion, it is undeniable that urbanization has a significant effect on climate change. Transportation, energy use, and waste management will continue to be major contributors to climate change since it is impossible to stop the process of urbanization. However, it's crucial to understand that the benefits bought by urbanization do not necessarily have to come at the tradeoff of the environment. Solutions for sustainable development exist that can be advantageous to both people and the climate, such as using renewable energy, using public transportation, and trying our best to minimize daily waste. We will all have to work together to create more resilient and livable cities that put the welfare of both the present and future generations first by taking proactive steps toward sustainable development. (figure 5).

Figure 5 Protect the planet not the profit

Work Cited

“Carbon Pollution from Transportation.” EPA, Environmental Protection Agency, https://www.epa.gov/transportation-air-pollution-and-climate-change/carbon-pollution-transportation.

“Global Waste Management Outlook.” UNEP, UN Environment, https://www.unep.org/resources/report/global-waste-management-outlook.

“Overview of Greenhouse Gases.” EPA, Environmental Protection Agency, https://www.epa.gov/ghgemissions/overview-greenhouse-gases

Samson, ADEJOBI Oladepo, and OLORUNNIMBE Rafiu Oluwatoyin. "Challenges of waste management and climate change in Nigeria: Lagos State metropolis experience." African Journal of Scientific Research Vol 7.1 (2012).

Satterthwaite, David. "The implications of population growth and urbanization for climate change." Environment and urbanization 21.2 (2009): 545-567.