Urbanisation

Urbanisation is a central fact of modern life and a major determinant of how people use the natural environment.

For over a thousand years, before the advent of fossil fuel technology, people lived on the land in close touch with the natural environment. In the past two centuries, urbanisation has advanced steadily. By 1900 about 15% of the world’s population lived in cites. By 1950 the proportion was 30%; by the year 2000 it was over 50%. The future is certainly one of a highly urbanised world.

If the changing proportions are dramatic, the distribution is even more so. Almost all will be in the South. Africa will add 500 million new urbanites by 2025; Latin America 300 million, and Asia 1.2 billion, leading to increased social and environmental stresses.

Thus the major arena for population-environment dynamics in the near future will be in the world’s cities. The common picture is one of congested shanty-towns with neither water, sewage, nor social services, and where the failing infrastructure is overwhelmed by new migrants. Cities such as Curitiba, Brazil and Singapore have also experienced rapid population growth yet the urban environment and quality of life in these cities have been enhanced. In these cases, effective urban planning employing all relevant specialisation, has promoted the welfare of people and their environment.

It is possible that urban living may be less environmentally destructive than rural living. Economies of scale already permit urban peoples to enjoy better physical infrastructure and social services, and make it easier to introduce cleaner technologies. Whatever the case, rapid urban growth is certain in the near future – we must begin planning for this growth now.

Source: Adapted from: Environment for People: Building Bridges for Sustainable Development, UNEP, New York, 1997, pp. 4-9.