Urbanization and the Environment: An Asian Perspective

Abstract

This chapter tackles two growing concerns—environmental sustainability and rapid urbanization. Asia is home to almost half of the global urban population and is urbanizing at a pace faster than any other region, resulting in an unprecedented growth in the number of urban residents and increased number of densely populated megacities. Consequently, the region will be confronted with even greater environmental challenges that are already serious, including air pollution, congestion, CO2 emission, deprivation in water and basic sanitation, and growing vulnerability to natural disasters. However, with urbanization comes the rise of the middle class and property owners, the development of the service sector, declining fertility and increased educational attainment, and, more importantly, innovations in green technology. These urbanization-related forces and mechanisms are important for attaining a win–win scenario of environmental improvement and economic growth. Through establishing and exploring the environment–urbanization nexus in Asia, the chapter offers a cautiously optimistic environmental prospect for Asia as the region urbanizes.