Built environment

Increased urban footprint

One of the main drivers of environmental change identified in the Drivers report is population growth (Figure BLT2).
2016
Relates to
Built environment
Pressures
South West CoastNorth East CoastGreater BrisbaneGreater DarwinGreater HobartGreater AdelaideAustralian Capital TerritoryEast CoastGreater MelbourneGreater PerthGreater Sydney
Built environment

Increased traffic

Traffic is greatly affected by pressures from population and economic growth, unless there is a significant decline in car use per person. Any associated traffic increase is, in turn, its own pressure on urban amenity and livability.
2016
Relates to
Built environment
Pressures
Greater Sydney
Built environment

Increased consumption

Population and economic growth also drive consumption, causing increased demand for resources, particularly land (see Increased urban footprint), energy and water.
2016
Relates to
Built environment
Pressures
Built environment

Increased pollution

Production and consumption activities occurring in our built environments often lead to increased pollution in our built and natural environments.
2016
Relates to
Built environment
Pressures
Greater BrisbaneGreater MelbourneGreater PerthGreater Sydney
Built environment

Increased extreme weather events

Population trends, urbanisation and residential shifts to high-risk areas will intersect with climate change to increase Australian’s exposure to natural hazards (Australian Government 2015b).
2016
Relates to
Built environment
Pressures
Murray DarlingNorth East CoastTimor SeaGreater BrisbaneGreater DarwinGreater HobartGreater AdelaideAustralian Capital TerritoryGreater MelbourneGreater PerthGreater Sydney
Built environment

Increased sea levels

Changes in sea level are pressuring coastal locations. Coastal infrastructure is affected, and, when the sea encroaches further onto the land, space for development is reduced.
2016
Relates to
Built environment
Pressures
South West CoastSouth Australian GulfNorth East CoastGreater BrisbaneGreater DarwinGreater AdelaideGreater PerthGreater SydneyIndian Ocean
Coleman S (2016). Built environment: Topics. In: Australia state of the environment 2016, Australian Government Department of the Environment and Energy, Canberra, https://soe.environment.gov.au/theme/built-environment/topics?framework=106, DOI 10.4226/94/58b65a5037ed8