Fact Check: US urban land expanded by 380,000 square kilometers from 1992 to 2015.

Fact Check: "US urban land expanded by 380,000 square kilometers from 1992 to 2015"

What We Know

The claim that "US urban land expanded by 380,000 square kilometers from 1992 to 2015" is supported by a study that indicates a significant increase in urban land during this period. According to a Bloomberg article, this figure represents a substantial growth in urban areas, contributing to the ongoing discussion about urban sprawl and its implications for housing and environmental sustainability. The study referenced in the article suggests that global urban land expanded by this amount, highlighting the rapid pace of urbanization.

Additionally, a different study published in the journal Nature Sustainability notes that urban areas worldwide expanded by 80% from 1985 to 2015, with an average annual conversion of approximately 9,687 square kilometers from non-urban to urban uses (Clark University). This data provides context for understanding the scale of urban expansion, although it does not specifically isolate the U.S. data for the years in question.

Analysis

The claim is partially true, as it aligns with findings from credible sources that document urban expansion. The Bloomberg article cites a study that quantifies urban land growth at 380,000 square kilometers globally, but does not clarify whether this figure is specific to the U.S. or includes other countries as well. The lack of specificity raises questions about the accuracy of attributing this figure solely to the United States.

Moreover, the Nature Sustainability study provides a broader perspective on urban growth, emphasizing that urbanization rates have been unprecedented globally. However, it does not provide a direct correlation to the U.S. urban land expansion specifically from 1992 to 2015. The data from this study indicates a significant trend but does not confirm the exact figure claimed for the U.S. (Clark University).

The reliability of the sources is generally high, as both the Bloomberg article and the Nature Sustainability study are based on peer-reviewed research and reputable institutions. However, the ambiguity in the geographic specificity of the 380,000 square kilometers claim necessitates caution in fully endorsing the statement as it pertains to the U.S. alone.

Conclusion

The claim that "US urban land expanded by 380,000 square kilometers from 1992 to 2015" is Partially True. While there is evidence of substantial urban expansion during this period, the figure cited may not be exclusively applicable to the United States, as it appears to be derived from a broader global context. Therefore, while the claim reflects a significant trend in urbanization, it lacks precise attribution to U.S. data.

Fact Check: US urban land expanded by 380,000 square kilometers from 1992 to 2015.