What is the impact of urbanization on the environment?

Urbanization significantly affects the environment in various ways, one of the most notable being the reduction in biodiversity and natural habitats. As urban areas expand, they often encroach on natural landscapes, leading to the destruction of ecosystems that house a variety of plant and animal species. This habitat loss can occur through the conversion of forests, wetlands, and fields into residential, commercial, and industrial zones. The resulting fragmentation of habitats can isolate species populations, making them more vulnerable to extinction and reducing overall biodiversity.

Moreover, urbanization can introduce pollution, invasive species, and changes in land use that further exacerbate the decline in biodiversity. The increased human presence in these areas often leads to higher levels of waste, resource consumption, and environmental degradation, all of which contribute to the challenges faced by many species in urbanized areas.

The other options present alternative scenarios that do not capture the predominant environmental impact of urbanization. Emphasizing rural development would not be a direct impact of urbanization; instead, urbanization often leads to rural depopulation and neglect. The idea of improved air quality in urban settings contradicts common outcomes associated with urbanization, as cities typically experience higher levels of pollution than rural areas. Lastly, enhanced agricultural productivity is generally more associated with advancements in