Urban environmental issues related to urban expansion in La Plata, Buenos Aires, Argentina

Abstract

The process of urbanization unfolds transformations that have a direct impact on land use and land cover. In the partido of La Plata, Buenos Aires, Argentina, residential development and occupation of non-urban areas in the peri-urban sector have been intensified for the last decade, leading to the increase in urban environmental problems that are detrimental to the territory and its population. The objective of this work is to throw a spotlight on some of the problems arising from the occupation of undeveloped areas with a high-water hazard. The methodology consists of the analysis of the thematic cartography, the crossing of existing data and variables. The results of the research show the complexity of territorial processes, such as dispersion, urban informality, incompatibility of residential and productive activities, as well as environmental hazards of flooding and soil degradation. These conflicts might increase in the future as long as measures are not taken to include adequate regulation and urban planning. For these reasons, this article highlights the need to know and study these issues in depth in order to devise possible strategies for approaching the territory when planning cities.