Which of the following is considered an undesirable impact that has contributed to increased work travel distances and pollution?

Suburbanization is identified as an undesirable impact that has contributed to increased work travel distances and pollution due to several factors. Suburbanization refers to the migration of people from urban centers to the outskirts, which often leads to the development of residential areas that are farther away from workplaces and essential services.

As populations move to suburban areas, the distance between home and employment typically increases, necessitating longer commutes. This reliance on personal vehicles for transportation in suburban settings contributes to higher levels of air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions, particularly as many suburbs lack efficient public transportation options.

Additionally, the infrastructure developed in suburban areas often prioritizes car travel over public transit or pedestrian-friendly designs. As a result, the overall environmental impact of increased travel distances becomes more pronounced, leading to a more significant contribution to pollution.

In contrast, while urbanization, industrialization, and globalization can also have environmental impacts, they do not specifically encapsulate the issue of increased commute distances and pollution linked to residential spread away from city centers in the same way that suburbanization does. Urban and industrial growth may concentrate people and activities, potentially enabling more efficient transport and reducing overall travel distances compared to the sprawl associated with suburbanization.