URBAN PLANNING Planning should take into account not only the impact of a growing population on the natural environment, but also the interaction between future climate and population growth that may impact the ecosystems of the region. Further, development decisions made today can significantly reduce impacts of climate change through planning and by incorporating strategies to reduce emissions.
Unplanned growth increases the average vehicle miles traveled by increasing the distance between residential areas and urban centers where many jobs are. Regional growth plans can affect the layout of towns and cities to reduce long miles driven from residential areas to economic centers. Unchecked urban sprawl also increases the risks of flooding during extreme rain events by creating large areas of impermeable surfaces, such as parking lots.
