The concern about sprawl is that land is a finite fucking resource and we need to keep 30-50% of it pristine
That's a concern, but not the only concern. Besides land use, it's also resource and energy inefficient. The distance between everything and low density forces everyone to have a car. Sprawl also encourages shitty chain stores and strip malls. Overall it's just a horrible place to live.
Also keeping 30-50% of the world pristine is ahistorical. Much of the "natural" beauty settlers saw in the western hemisphere was being shaped by humans for millenia. So in the US's case I think we should prioritize landback over simple conservation.
Edit: Also urban sprawl relies on a transfer of wealth from the cities
That's a concern, but not the only concern. Besides land use, it's also resource and energy inefficient. The distance between everything and low density forces everyone to have a car. Sprawl also encourages shitty chain stores and strip malls. Overall it's just a horrible place to live.
Also keeping 30-50% of the world pristine is ahistorical. Much of the "natural" beauty settlers saw in the western hemisphere was being shaped by humans for millenia. So in the US's case I think we should prioritize landback over simple conservation.
Edit: Also urban sprawl relies on a transfer of wealth from the cities