Asphalt a MAJOR player
Because asphalt is so widely used it creates a heat island as its black or grey surface absorbs sunlight. In summer its temperature may climb to 140° F or more. That heat requires more air conditioning thus requiring more electricity. Not only does this waste money, but in making electricity, power plants create more greenhouse gasses.
When afternoon showers hit the hot pavement, water temperatures are heated increasing evaporation and dissolving oil, grease and other volatiles from the surface of the pavement. There harmful pollutants are carried into the storm water system, thus damaging the ecology down stream.
Impervious pavements such as asphalt reduce the number of trees that can grow in a city or on a building site. Trees adjacent to pavement do not get the water they need. What water they do get is often polluted, and places the trees under stress.