Urbanisation as a driver of change

Abstract

Half the world's population now lives in urban areas. Urbanisation has been a rapid process and virtually all the forecast population growth in coming years will take place in urban areas in less developed countries. Research into urbanisation at Arup has been undertaken as part of an initiative to look at Drivers of Change - an ongoing programme exploring issues most likely to have a major impact upon society. There is clear evidence that urbanisation can play a positive role in social and economic development. By concentrating half the world's population on less than 3% of its land area, urban settlements give sustainability a better chance. However, cities also draw together many of the world's major environmental problems. It is important to understand the negatives associated with urbanisation and see these in terms of opportunities and chances to do things differently in the future.