How can green city strategies mitigate environmental degradation from urbanization?

• A. Green infrastructure, transit-oriented development, green roofs, urban forests, circular economy.
• B. Expand car-only highways.
• C. Increase industrial activity and reduce parks.
• D. Limit public transit and promote private vehicles.

Answer: (A)

The idea being tested is that urban sustainability comes from weaving nature and smart design into city growth to cut pollution, heat, flooding, and energy use. Green infrastructure brings natural and engineered features like bioswales, rain gardens, and permeable pavements that manage stormwater, lower flood risk, filter pollutants, and reduce heat buildup. Transit-oriented development concentrates housing, jobs, and amenities near public transit, encouraging walking, cycling, and shorter car trips, which cuts emissions and congestion. Green roofs add insulation, capture rainwater, extend roof life, and create small habitats while cooling buildings and surrounding areas. Urban forests provide shade, sequester carbon, improve air quality, and lessen the urban heat island effect. A circular economy focuses on designing out waste, reusing materials, and recycling resources, which lowers energy use, reduces pollution, and lessens pressures on natural ecosystems.

In contrast, expanding car-only highways would likely increase vehicle emissions and fragment urban areas. Increasing industrial activity while reducing parks removes essential ecosystem services and heightens pollution. Limiting public transit and promoting private vehicles similarly raises emissions and traffic congestion, worsening environmental degradation.