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 worlds population lives in cities
• Cities generate 2/3 of worlds 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
Womens 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.j
p/ietc/issues/Urban.asp UNESCO, (n.d.). A
Womens Self-Help Organization for Poverty
Alleviation in India SEWA India. Retrieved
April 10, 2010 from http//www.unesco.org/most/asi
a1.htm UNESCO, (n.d.). The Bronx Center
Project. Retrieved April 10, 2010 from
http//www.unesco.org/most/usa1.htm