Urban sprawl: Pushing our cities to their limits

Cities are home to more than half of the world’s population and are the engines of economic growth and employment. However, cities also face major environmental, economic and social challenges, many of which are associated with the fact that urban development has occurred. Urban sprawl is often cited as a driver of several of these challenges, including biodiversity loss, greenhouse gas emissions, air pollution, road congestion and lack of affordable housing. What exactly is urban sprawl and how can it be measured? Are cities in OECD countries sprawling and how is this impacting the environment? Learn more from the OECD report Rethinking Urban Sprawl: Moving Towards Sustainable Cities: ABOUT THE OECD The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) is an international organisation established in 1960 that works collaboratively to build better policies for better lives. Our goal is to shape policies that foster prosperity, equality, opportunity and well-being for all. Together with governments, policy makers, policy shapers, and citizens, we work on establishing evidence-based international standards and finding solutions to a range of social, economic and environmental challenges. From improving economic performance and creating jobs to fostering strong education and fighting international tax evasion, we provide a unique forum and knowledge hub for data and analysis, exchange of experiences, best-practice sharing, and advice on public policies and international standard-setting. To learn more about the OECD, our global reach, and how to join us, go to To keep up with latest at the OECD, visit #oecd #ocde #oecdonenvironment