How does urbanization typically impact sustainability?

Urbanization typically contributes to increased pollution and resource depletion due to several interconnected factors. As populations migrate to urban areas for better economic opportunities and services, the density of people and industries in these cities rises. This increased concentration leads to higher energy consumption, particularly in transportation, heating, and electricity use, which can result in more emissions and waste.

Additionally, urban areas often see a rise in construction and infrastructure development that requires vast natural resources, leading to habitat destruction and resource exhaustion. Water usage tends to escalate in urbanized settings as the demand for drinking water, sanitation, and industrial processes increases, often putting stress on local water sources.

Moreover, urbanization can exacerbate problems related to waste management. Higher populations generate more waste, and the infrastructure for managing this waste can lag behind, resulting in pollution and negative impacts on local environments.

Overall, while urbanization can bring about some potential benefits, such as efficiencies in transportation and services, its primary impact on sustainability is generally characterized by challenges of pollution and resource depletion. This makes the selected answer the most accurate representation of urbanization's impact on sustainability.