Environmental Benefits and Challenges of Urbanization

1. Environmental Benefits and Challenges of Urbanization Name Date Class

2. Urbanization • Definition: rapid growth of, and migration to, cities. • 50% of world’s population lives in cities • Cities generate 2/3 of world’s economic wealth • Cities account for 80% of GDP growth during past decade • 1.1 billion city dwellers live in areas that have poor air quality • 420 million people in cities do not have adequate sanitation • 220 million people in cities do not have safe drinking water

3. Benefits • Economic development • Creation of jobs • Redefines lifestyles, employment, and welfare • % of Population with access to safe drinking water increases with urbanization • % of population with access to adequate sanitation increases with urbanization

4. Challenges • Loss of productive land to urban development • Overcrowding • Urban poverty • Pollution • Unemployment and lack of adequate housing • Availability of resources

5. Strategies • Allow central governments to empower local governments to make necessary changes and improvements • Develop growth and planning strategies using best management practices • Political leadership and commitment • Adequate investments in infrastructure, education, and culture

6. Women’s Self-Help Organization for Poverty Alleviation in India • Shri Mahila Sewa Sahakari Bank established as a separate bank for poor self-employed women workers • Catalyst for change in laws and practices • Poverty alleviation • Empowers women to: • Negotiate for higher wages • Provide security for themselves and their families • Own land and assets • Upgrade skills and develop more business • Become responsible for infrastructure improvements

7. Bronx Center Project • $2 billion comprehensive revitalization of 300 block section of South Bronx • “Bottom-up” approach to community revitalization • Addresses economic development, health and human services, education and culture, housing and transportation • Renewal of physical infrastructure provides basis for the development and delivery of services and opportunities • On-going community participation

8. Conclusion • While urbanization provides many opportunities for people in terms of employment, education, and culture, there are challenges that must be overcome. • Without proper planning for urban growth and development, negative impacts to habitat, water quality, and biodiversity can occur. • Projects such as those highlighted in this presentation demonstrate how with proper funding, support, cooperation, and planning, challenges can be overcome and opportunities realized.

9. References Gutberlet, J. and Leitmann, J. (2003). Urbanization. Aviso. Issue No. 11, April 2003. Retrieved April 10, 2010 from http://www.gechs.org/aviso/11/ UNEP, (n.d.). Urban Issues. Retrieved April 10, 2010 from http://www.unep.or.jp/ietc/issues/Urban.asp UNESCO, (n.d.). A Women’s Self-Help Organization for Poverty Alleviation in India: SEWA India. Retrieved April 10, 2010 from http://www.unesco.org/most/asia1.htm UNESCO, (n.d.). The Bronx Center Project. Retrieved April 10, 2010 from http://www.unesco.org/most/usa1.htm