How does urban development negatively affect Coastal Louisiana's environment?

Urban development negatively affects Coastal Louisiana's environment primarily by leading to habitat loss and increased stormwater runoff. As cities expand and develop, natural landscapes such as wetlands, marshes, and forests are often cleared or altered to make way for roads, buildings, and infrastructure. This loss of natural habitats disrupts ecosystems that provide essential services, such as filtering water, supporting wildlife, and protecting against storm surges.

Furthermore, increased impervious surfaces from urbanization—like concrete and asphalt—prevent water from being absorbed into the ground. This results in higher volumes of stormwater runoff, which can carry pollutants and sediments into nearby water bodies, exacerbating issues like water quality degradation and erosion. The combination of habitat loss and poor water management can significantly harm the intricate balance of Coastal Louisiana's delicate environment, making the area more vulnerable to the impacts of climate change and extreme weather events.