Which environmental issue is frequently examined within the scope of urban sociology?

Air pollution is a significant environmental issue that is frequently examined within urban sociology due to its direct impact on urban living conditions and public health. High population densities, industrial activities, and transportation systems in urban areas contribute to elevated levels of air pollution, which can affect respiratory health, exacerbate chronic diseases, and decrease overall quality of life. Urban sociologists study these effects not only to understand the environmental challenges urban residents face but also to explore the social dynamics that arise from disparities in exposure to air pollution, such as socioeconomic status and racial inequities. Issues like regulatory responses, community activism, and public policy aimed at reducing air pollution also fall within the purview of urban sociology, highlighting the intersection of social structures and environmental concerns.

The other options, while important environmental issues, are less specific to urban contexts and more often examined through broader environmental science or policy lenses. For instance, deforestation is primarily associated with rural and forested areas, climate change is a global phenomenon that impacts diverse environments, and water scarcity can either be a rural or urban issue, depending on the context. However, the immediacy and direct health impacts of air pollution in urban settings make it a focal point for urban sociological study.