With such huge increases in population, why has there not been a direct and equivalent increase in urban development (i.e., why is it such a small proportion of habitable land use)?

Question

With such huge increases in population, why has there not been a direct and equivalent increase in urban development (i.e., why is it such a small proportion of habitable land use)?

Responses

There is not enough habitable land left for further urban development.

Many people can live in small spaces, such as high rises in cities.

Habitable land is already being used for livestock and crops.

People want to live close to where they work, which is usually the city or suburbs.

Answer 1

Urban development is often limited by factors such as zoning regulations, environmental concerns, infrastructure limitations, and historical preservation efforts. Additionally, the cost of developing new urban areas can be prohibitively expensive, leading to a preference for infill development in existing urban areas. Finally, there may be resistance from local communities to new urban development due to concerns about overcrowding, traffic congestion, and changes to the character of the area.