How does urbanization affect CO2 emissions?

Urbanization typically increases CO2 emissions for several reasons related to changes in population density, energy consumption, and transportation patterns. As areas become urbanized, more people tend to live and work in close proximity, which increases the demand for energy for heating, cooling, and electricity. Urban centers often rely heavily on fossil fuels, leading to greater CO2 emissions from power plants and transportation.

Additionally, urbanization can lead to a higher number of vehicles on the road, as more people commute to work or school. This increased vehicle usage contributes significantly to CO2 emissions due to the burning of gasoline and diesel. Furthermore, urban infrastructure, such as buildings and roads, often involves energy-intensive production processes, which also contribute to overall emissions.

While urban areas can potentially implement more efficient energy usage practices and public transport systems that may mitigate some of the increases in emissions, the overall trend tends to show that urbanization has a net positive effect on CO2 emissions due to the factors mentioned above. Urbanization can also lead to the destruction of green spaces that would otherwise absorb CO2, compounding the emissions issue.