Problems of Ecology and Safety of the Urban Environment

Abstract

Developed countries are currently the most urbanized, with an average of about three quarters of their population living in cities, but this is changing. Rising levels of economic growth, migration, population growth and, in some cases, unprecedented industrial growth mean Asia and Africa will be the regions with the most radical urban development over the next twenty years. Discussions on sustainable urban development have led to the consolidation of environmental agendas and the identification of a specific set of challenges and policy issues: green economy and air and water pollution issues (brown agenda), waste management, lack of basic services and green spaces, deteriorating infrastructure and poor housing conditions. It is now widely believed that green issues of the day cannot be resolved until pressing urban social issues are addressed.