ABSTRACT
This chapter deals with the most important drivers of urban expansion and urban sprawl according to a list of influencing factors compiled by the European Environment Agency in 2010. The structure helps to differentiate between different sectors and spatial scales that allow for a more detailed explanation of the complex aspects that drive urban expansion and urban sprawl. The global and European level, the economic drivers of urban expansion need further explanation since it may not be self-explaining why globalization, cheap energy or the European integration would fuel land expansion at first glance. In terms of spatial coverage, the chapter will offer an overview over global and specific European drivers, and present case examples on countries, regions and local authorities mainly from Europe. It utilizes a compilation of drivers of urban expansion and urban sprawl published by the European Environment Agency to reflect upon sector- and scale-specific influencing factors.
