Date of Award

Spring 5-11-2025

Degree Name

Bachelor of Arts (BA)

Department

Environmental Studies

Advisor(s)

John Van Buren

Abstract

This paper examines the impact of Los Angeles’ built environment on its ecosystems and biodiversity through the destruction of wildlife corridors and habitats and the threats urbanization poses to its native species. Using both quantitative and qualitative data, Chapter 1 describes the current threats that wildlife faces and ecosystem services that are at stake in Los Angeles due to suburban sprawl and the impacts of urbanization on its ecosystems. This chapter introduces data on the decrease in population of important species and statistics on how urbanization has been encroaching on and breaking apart habitats. Chapter 2 explores the history of the ecosystems of Los Angeles and the significance of the various flora and fauna that support these ecosystems prior to the city’s urbanization. Chapter 3 describes elements of the urban and suburban planning of Los Angeles and the ways in which they have impacted these critical habitats. Chapter 4 discusses the politics, including proposed bills and citywide movements that are occurring with an aim to reduce the harm done to these key ecosystems caused by the city’s infrastructure and additional implications of human presence in the area. Drawing on the crucial aspects of the ecosystems discussed in Chapter 2 and the issues discussed in Chapter 3, the final Chapter 5 culminates in the discussion of further environmental policies, infrastructure improvements, and design elements that must be implemented to restore Los Angeles’ habitats and species diversity to restore the once-healthy ecosystem.

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