URBANISATION AS AGENT OF DEVELOPMENT AND ITS PROS AND CONS

The process by which cities expand and greater proportions of people choose to live in urban areas is known as urbanization.

It has long been linked to the advancement of humanity, but it also causes serious health issues and inequality that impact both developed and developing countries, as well as the rich and poor within them.

People move to cities because of the promise of jobs and prosperity, but they also bring with them urgent issues like poverty and environmental degradation.

Urbanization is predicted to continue growing and bringing with it a number of risks, especially in developing nations where it impairs cities' ability to plan and adapt.

Urbanisation comes with both positive and negative effects and some of the positive effects are as follows:

Better environmental conditions: Urban green spaces can control high temperatures, improve air quality, and lessen runoff.

Decreased carbon emissions: Compared to rural areas, cities typically have lower carbon emissions per person.

Enhanced resource efficiency: Because of positive externalities and economies of scale, urbanization encourages increased productivity and more economical use of resources.

Infrastructure that is friendly to the environment: Building, maintaining, and running public utilities like waste management, piped water, and sanitation are all made easier and more affordable in urban areas.

Service accessibility: As a result of urbanization, a greater number of people now have inexpensive, environmentally friendly facilities and services available to them.

Greater standard of living: The middle class and property owners who live in cities have a pro-environment attitude, which is important for the introduction and enforcement of environmental laws and regulations. 

Diminished ecological footprint: By encouraging more resource- and practice-conscious behaviour, urbanization lessens its ecological footprint.

Urban green spaces have the potential to offer city dwellers a means of psychological relaxation and stress relief.

Nonetheless, in order to reduce urbanization's detrimental effects on the environment and society, it must be managed effectively. Strong city planning, encouraging the creation of jobs and the economy, integrating local communities in local government, cutting down on air pollution, and planting trees in urban areas can all help achieve this.

The following are things that posse’s threat to the ecosystem and they are as follows:

Deforestation and habitat loss: Urbanization frequently causes deforestation and habitat loss, which can change the ranges and interactions of species and reduce biodiversity.

Pollution: In urban areas, increased traffic and population density can result in noise, water, and air pollution.

Invasive species: As people travel and import and export supplies into and out of cities, urbanization can increase the intentional or unintentional transport of invasive species.

Disease transmission: Within and between cities, people living in densely populated areas have the ability to spread diseases quickly.

Biodiversity loss: As natural habitats are replaced by concrete and asphalt; urbanization may result in a decline in biodiversity.

Social problems: Because of social inequality, competition for limited resources, and increased human interaction, urbanization can raise the risk of crime and violence.

Economic issues: Urbanization may cause traditional industries to decline, informal economies to flourish, and infrastructure and service costs to rise.

Depletion of resources: As more people live in densely populated areas and depend on scarce resources, urbanization may contribute to the depletion of resources.

MEASURES TO PROMOTE GOOD URBANISATION

Encouraging economic growth and the creation of jobs: Fighting poverty and advancing economic growth can assist in addressing the issues associated with urban expansion.

Including local communities in local government: More inclusive and sustainable urban development can result from including local communities in the decision-making process.

Reducing air pollution in urban areas can be achieved in part by encouraging alternative transportation methods and improving energy use.

Forming public-private partnerships: Public-private partnerships can aid in the provision of basic services like housing and waste management.

Planting trees and incorporating green spaces in urban planning: Green spaces can improve air quality, provide recreational areas, and contribute to overall well-being in urban environments

Promoting urban agriculture: Urban agriculture can help shorten food supply chains, reduce the environmental impact of food distribution, and improve access to nutritious foods

Encouraging healthy diets and reducing food waste: Promoting healthy diets and reducing food waste can contribute to a more sustainable urban food system

Boosting green spaces for healthier environments: Increasing green spaces in urban areas can improve air quality, provide recreational areas, and contribute to overall well-being

In conclusion the process of urbanization is intricate and multidimensional, with profound effects on environments, economies, and societies. While there are many advantages, like better productivity, easier access to services, and economic growth, there are also many drawbacks, like pollution, social inequality, and biodiversity loss.

REFERENCE

1.     Urbanization Causes and Impacts | National Geographic

2.     Impact of Urbanization on Ecosystem Service Value from the Perspective of Spatio-Temporal Heterogeneity: A Case Study from the Yellow River Basin - MDPI

3.     Urbanization - Understanding Global Change

4.     Why urbanization may benefit the environment - Guanghua Wan | Asian Development Bank