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This paper explores how urban and territorial changing patterns relate to greenhouse gas emisions. Our research analyses the connection between artificial surfaces expansion, urban and territorial changing patterns and greenhouse gas emissions. Spanish data are compared at a regional level, using 1990 and 2000 figures in order to reveal emerging patterns.

According to spatial and statistical analysis there has been a radical shift in urban patterns almost everywhere and has been particularly acute in smaller cities. The shift from traditional compact city to scattered suburban areas, and the development of transport infrastructures leads to a significant increase in car travel lengths.

Gas emissions increases are not offset by additional sink capacity. To the contrary sinks are actually shrinking. A key side effect of the widespread urbanization is the destruction of carbon sinks. Urban sprawl has been largely made at the expense of “Forest and seminatural areas”.

Given these trends, technological advance will not suffice to meet emission reduction targets. Policies based on a smarter urban and territorial perspective will be required. When applied, these policies should take into account local and regional differences.