How Urban Expansion Harms Ecosystems

Direct Impacts

• Habitat Fragmentation: Breaks natural habitats into isolated patches, hindering wildlife movement and survival.
• Water Pollution: Sewage, fertilizers, pesticides contaminate waterways.
• Air Pollution: Smog and particulates damage flora, fauna, and human health.
• Climate Change: Urban greenhouse gas emissions drive global warming, affecting ecosystems worldwide.

Indirect Impacts

• Attracts invasive predators/competitors that threaten native species.
• Alters natural water and nutrient flows.

Mitigation Strategies

Protecting habitats, reducing pollution, and promoting sustainable development can lessen these impacts.