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Monday, February 7, 2011

Urbanization and Environmental Sustainability

by Crystal Davis

Now home to half of the world's people, cities are increasingly at the forefront of our most pressing environmental challenges. While the current pace of urbanization is not unique in human history, the sheer magnitude of urban growth--driven by massive demographic shifts in the developing world--is unprecedented, with vast implications for human well-being and the environment. However, where cities pose environmental problems, they also offer solutions. As hotspots of consumption, production, and waste generation, cities possess unparalleled potential to increase the energy efficiency and sustainability of society as a whole.

Global Urbanization Trends

Cities generate a disproportionate share of gross domestic product (GDP) and provide, on average, greater social and economic benefits to their inhabitants than do rural areas. As a result, increased urbanization often correlates to higher national incomes


Night lights of North America, by wwworks

Night lights of Europe, by wwworks
more posts about urbanization:

Urbanism, Space and Human Psychology: Value Change and Urbanization in Malaysia

Planning Urbanization Inside Natural Urban Landscapes

Urbanization, Urban Environment and Land Use: Challenges and Opportunities

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