Urban form and air quality in the United States

Abstract

In this paper, we investigate the relationship between urban spatial structure and air quality in the United States. By using urban landscape metrics framework, we empirically examine whether fragmentary and sprawling urban patterns are associated with low air quality. We develop an algorithm to correct for biases within the urban landscape metrics in the United States. Controlling for demographic variables and economic activity, we find a strong relationship between the type and pattern of development and pollutant levels. The finding is not biased by the presence of relatively rural counties in the dataset suggesting that paying close attention to the urban form might have some implications for air quality.