Rapid Global Urbanization

The phenomenon of urban migration is fundamentally reshaping our world. An increasing number of people are drawn to cities in pursuit of better employment opportunities and an enhanced quality of life. Currently, over half of the global population resides in urban areas, a figure that is projected to rise to approximately 70% by 2050. Projections from the United Nations, as illustrated in Figure 1-1, highlight a significant global population growth from 7.6 billion in 2018 to an estimated 9.8 billion by 2050. This represents an approximate 30% increase, indicating a substantial expansion in the global populace within just a few decades. Such growth emphasizes the escalating demands and challenges our planet, and its urban centers are poised to confront in the impending years.