In the United States, we perfected this modern atrocity and exported it. As a result, cities around the world have large carbon footprints, long commute times, high infrastructure costs and problems with traffic congestion. Many residents have high rates of social isolation and health problems related to a lack of exercise. Suburban sprawl contributes to a housing crisis that sees a lack of affordable homes for workers in many desirable cities. Because a finite supply of precious land is being gobbled up by residential developments of one house per plot, the opportunity is lost to build cities with the qualities that most people want: walkable, mixed use, diverse and affordable.