The Environmental Footprint of Urban Expansion

Urbanization, the demographic shift from rural to urban areas, is one of the most significant transformations of the modern era. While this process is often associated with economic development and social opportunities, its environmental consequences are substantial and multifaceted. One of the most well-documented phenomena is the "urban heat island" effect, where metropolitan areas experience significantly higher temperatures than their surrounding rural counterparts. This temperature discrepancy is primarily attributed to the replacement of natural land cover with materials such as asphalt and concrete, which absorb and retain solar radiation more effectively. The implications of this thermal alteration are far-reaching. Elevated temperatures in cities lead to increased energy consumption, particularly for air conditioning, which in turn contributes to greenhouse gas emissions. Furthermore, the prevalence of **impermeable surfaces** in urban landscapes prevents the natural absorption of rainwater. This disruption to the hydrological cycle results in increased surface runoff, which can overwhelm drainage systems and heighten the risk of flash flooding. Consequently, managing the environmental footprint of growing cities requires a comprehensive approach that integrates sustainable infrastructure and green spaces to mitigate these adverse effects. The challenge lies in balancing developmental needs with ecological preservation.

Câu hỏi luyện tập

1. What is the primary purpose of this passage?

2. According to the text, what feature of city landscapes prevents rainwater from being absorbed naturally into the ground?

3. The passage states that the "urban heat island" effect is mainly caused by...

4. What phrase is used to describe the "urban heat island" effect, indicating it has been studied extensively?

5. In the final paragraph, the word 'mitigate' is closest in meaning to:

6. What term does the passage use to refer to the temperature change observed in cities?

7. Which of the following is presented as a direct consequence of higher city temperatures?

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