Environmental Impacts of Pavements

Pavements, like roads and parking lots, can affect the environment in several ways. They can contribute to increased heat in urban areas (urban heat island effect), cause water runoff that carries pollutants into rivers and lakes, and disrupt natural habitats by covering land that wildlife relies on. Additionally, the materials used in pavement construction, such as asphalt and concrete, require energy to produce and can emit greenhouse gases, contributing to climate change. Proper planning and using eco-friendly materials can help minimize these environmental impacts while supporting transportation needs.