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Increasing concern
as to how human activities impact the Earth has led to documentation
and quantification of environmental changes taking place on land, in the water, and in the air.
Through a combination of ground photographs, current and historical satellite images, and
narrative based on extensive scientific evidence, this publication illustrates how humans
have altered their surroundings and continue to make observable and measurable changes
to the global environment.
Go to: Chapters
— Site Images — Powerpoints
— Posters
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ONE PLANET MANY PEOPLE
Chapter 3 - Urban |
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Las Vegas, United States
Las Vegas is the fastest growing metropolitan
area in the United States. Its growth was fairly slow during the first half of the 20th century,
but as the gaming and tourism industry blossomed the population increased more rapidly. In 1950,
Las Vegas was home to 24 624 people. Today, the population of the Las Vegas Valley tops one
million, not including the tourists. According to one estimate, it may double by 2015.
This population growth has put a strain on water supplies.
Satellite imagery of Las Vegas provides a dramatic illustration of the spatial patterns and rates
of change resulting from the city's urban sprawl. Las Vegas is shown in the central portion of
these images from 1973 and 2000. Note the profound modifications to the landscape-specifically
the proliferation of asphalt and concrete roads and other infrastructure, along with the
displacement of the few vegetated lands. By 2000, Las Vegas' growth had sprawled in every
direction, with the greatest expansion to the northwest and southeast. As the city expanded,
several new transportation networks emerged to serve the city's inhabitants.
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