The Impact of (NON) Urbanization on the Environment and Public Health: A Case Study of The Urban Area of the City of Peja, Kosovo

Abstract

The rapid expansion of urban areas in cities is significantly impacting the environment, challenging the concept of sustainability. The urban area of the city of Peja is located in the western part of the Republic of Kosovo. Over the last two decades, there has been a noticeable trend of rapid urban growth in Peja. This paper, based on available data and information’s, addresses the dynamics of urban growth in Peja, with a particular focus on (non) urbanization, whose impact is considered highly negative specifically for the environment. The paper also focuses on the comprehensive impacts of the different factors, including air, water, and soil. The expansion of the urban area is associated with negative effects especially related to the release of various pollutants into the air (including greenhouse gases), water, and soil. It describes the main components that are affected both qualitatively and quantitatively by the urban growth of Peja. The paper, featuring authentic and recent data, provides a solid basement that supports related efforts to addressing climate change, millennium development goals, and the general concept of integrated natural resource management and sustainable development.