American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) Practice Exam

What is a potential environmental drawback of urban sprawl?

1. Increased green spaces

2. Higher levels of air pollution

3. Improved public transportation

4. Reduction in water run-off

The correct answer is: Higher levels of air pollution

Urban sprawl is often characterized by the outward expansion of cities into previously undeveloped areas, leading to a number of challenges, one of which is higher levels of air pollution. As cities expand, reliance on personal vehicles for commuting typically increases, resulting in greater emissions of pollutants from cars and trucks. This increased traffic leads to a deterioration in air quality, contributing to respiratory problems and other health issues for residents. Moreover, urban sprawl can contribute to the increased distance between homes, jobs, and services, which further exacerbates commuting times and reliance on vehicles. Higher levels of air pollutants can result from not just transportation but also from increased land development, which may include industrial activities that emit pollutants. In contrast, the other options highlight outcomes that are generally associated with more compact urban development or measures aimed at sustainability rather than the negative implications of urban sprawl. For example, increased green spaces are typically seen in planned urban development that prioritizes recreational areas, while improved public transportation and reduction in water run-off are often benefits of well-designed urban environments that counter the effects of sprawl.