Urbanization and sustainable development: growing global issues in the Anthropocene

Joseph C. Morreale

Chapter 7 in Pathways To Sustainable Development, 2025, pp 105-121 from Edward Elgar Publishing

Abstract: Abstract: By 2050, close to 68 percent (7 billion) of the world's people will be living in urban areas. While there are certain benefits for movement of people from rural to urban areas in terms of economic development and increased employment opportunities, rapid urbanization causes problems emanating from overcrowding, under-provision of services, and pressures on natural resources. The ever-increasing proportion of urban populations therefore requires careful spatial planning, access to water, access to health care, and provision of education on all levels. Planners also need to ensure that the growing cities do not add to the triple crisis of climate change, pollution, and biodiversity loss. How do we ensure the decoupling of urbanization and environmental degradation? This chapter discusses the Anthropocene and its effect on climate change. It analyzes the relationship between urbanization and sustainable development, with specific attention to smart cities. The chapter closes with a discussion of the role of science and technology in creating pathways toward inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable human settlements.

Keywords: Anthropocene; Urbanization; Slums; Climate change; Science and technology; Human settlements; Smart cities; Smart transportation; Artificial intelligence; Digitalization (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
ISBN: 9781035356331
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