13 Effects of Urbanization That Will Make you Think!

As the world becomes more and more urbanized, it's important to understand the effects this has on both people and nature.

Cities are engines of growth, but they also come with a cost. In this blog post, we’ll explore some of the ways urban populations can impact our environment and our health. Urbanization is changing our planet – for better or for worse?

Read on to find out!

Main Causes of Urbanization – Everything Leads to Comfort

skyscrappers

Before we dive right into the impacts of urbanization, let’s understand very briefly why humans want to live in the cities in the first place. There are a number of reasons:

Economic development because of the proximity to jobs

Economic growth is probably the most important factor, especially in developing countries. People move to cities in search of employment and a better standard of living.

Higher quality of education

Cities usually have better schools and universities than rural areas. This is another important factor that drives urbanization, especially among the middle class.

Safety levels

Even though is surprising to find out, cities are generally seen as being safer than rural areas, with lower rate of car accidents, gun injuries and better access to trauma medicine. This is again a key factor for families who want to move out of the countryside.

Entertainment and lifestyle options

Cities offer a more diverse range of leisure activities and a cosmopolitan lifestyle. This is particularly attractive to young people who want to experience everything that life has to offer.

Infrastructure and medical facilities

With better roads, public transport, communication networks and health care facilities, cities make life more convenient and efficient for urban residents. These are just some of the reasons why people choose to live in cities. But what is the impact of urbanization on our environment and health? Let’s take a look at some of the key issues that we need to be aware of.

What are the negative effects of urbanization?

We now know that urbanization has many benefits, but it is important to be aware of the negative effects on our environment and health. Here are some of the effects of urbanization:

1. Biodiversity loss, a grave concern facing cities

Of all the various environmental problems associated with urbanization, the loss of biodiversity may be the most serious. Urban expansion, which takes place in forests, wetlands and agricultural systems, only leads to habitat clearing and fragmentation. This has a serious impact on species that are dependent on those habitats, and can even drive some to extinction. Urban population lifestyles, which tend to be consumptive, requiring great natural resources and generating increasing amounts of waste also lead to increased levels of air, water and soil pollution.

2. Air pollution due to the high concentration of traffic and industries.

Air pollution in China

One of the most serious impacts of urbanization is air pollution. In cities, there is a high concentration of vehicles and industries, which release harmful pollutants into the air. These pollutants can cause a range of health problems, including respiratory infections, heart disease, and cancer. We’ve even gotten episodes of such a high levels of sulphurous smog that killed or sickened thousands in Donora in 1948, as well as in London in 1952. In the most recent years we can see how people in some big cities like Beijing and Mexico City have to wear masks to protect themselves from the polluted air.

2. Water pollution, we cannot drink money

Water Pollution

Water pollution is another big problem in cities. With so many people living in close proximity, there is a higher risk of contamination from sewage and industrial effluent. This can lead to the spread of water-borne diseases such as cholera and typhoid. It can also cause problems for wildlife and marine life, as well as the people who rely on them for food.

3. Soil pollution from waste and toxins.

Another impact of urbanization is soil pollution. This can be caused by the dumping of waste, the use of pesticides and fertilizers, and the release of toxins from factories. This can lead to a decrease in crop yields and a decline in the long-term fertility of soils, as well as posing threats to human health. For more about the importance of soil preservation and the high importance of this, sometimes, overlooked problem, visit the SAVE SOIL MOVEMENT website

4. Increased greenhouse gas emissions due to high levels of energy consumption and transportation.

As the urban population increases, they also become more energy intensive. Higher use of air conditioning, heating, lighting, the increased number of vehicles on the roads and higher consumption levels due to the easiness of getting anything at any time, have made our demand for energy and resources to skyrocket. In consequence, this increasing demand is causing a significant rise in greenhouse gas emissions, which are responsible for global climate change and warming.

5. Improper or insufficient waste management, a smelly problem in urban areas

Urban areas also have to deal with large amounts of waste produced by their residents – everything from organic food waste to packaging to construction materials. This requires careful management of landfill sites and other waste disposal facilities in order to prevent environmental damage and public health risks.

6. Light pollution, an ecological issue with different consequences

Light pollution is another form of pollution that is often overlooked. It is caused by the excessive artificial lighting of urban areas and can have a number of negative effects on both humans and animals.

7. Loss of green space and increase in heat island effect.

Another effect of urban development is the loss of green space. As more land is developed for housing and industry, there is less space for natural areas such as parks and gardens. This can lead to a decrease in biodiversity and an increase in the “heat island effect“, where cities are significantly hotter than the surrounding countryside. The loss of green spaces also reduces the quality of life for residents because they are crucial for mental health and well-being.

8. Noise pollution, an urban population invisible and constant brain drainer

The constant noise of traffic and industry can also be a major source of stress and mental health problems. Noise pollution can cause sleep disturbances, high blood pressure, and other serious health problems for urban residents.

9. Traffic congestion wastes time and energy

Traffic Jam

One of the biggest challenges facing cities is traffic congestion. This not only wastes people’s time and energy, but can also result in air pollution and accidents.

10. Increased risk of disease due to overcrowding and poor health practices.

Cities are often characterized by high levels of overcrowding, particularly in slums and informal settlements. This often leads to poor sanitation and the decline of human health due to the spread of diseases such as cholera, typhoid, tuberculosis and HIV/AIDS.

11. Increased risk of crime and violence due to social disparities.

Urbanization can also lead to an increase in crime and violence, particularly in areas with high levels of poverty and social exclusion. This can be a result of the competition for scarce resources, or simply because people are more likely to come into contact with each other in a city than in a rural areas.

12. Social problems associated with urbanization

Urbanization can lead to a number of social problems, such as the decline of traditional communities and their cultures and the increase of poverty and inequality.

13. Economic problems associated with urbanization

Urbanization can also lead to a number of economic problems, such as the decline of traditional industries, the rise of informal economies, and the increase in costs associated with infrastructure and services. It can also cause problems such as unemployment, underemployment, and inflation. Now, you might be wondering: Is everything just lost? Can we not do something about this? Of course, we can!

Big scale solutions to mitigate the negative impacts of urbanization

Despite the many challenges associated with urbanization, there are also many potential solutions that can help to mitigate the negative impacts.

1. Improving planning and management of urban growth.

One of the most important things that can be done to mitigate the negative impacts of urbanization is to improve the way cities are planned and managed. This includes everything from better land-use planning to improved waste management and transportation systems.

2. Encouraging sustainable development.

Renewable Energy

Sustainable development is an approach to urban planning that takes into account the need to protect the environment and conserve resources for future generations. This can be achieved through a number of measures, such as the use of renewable energy and energy efficient appliances, green space preservation, and the use of environmentally-friendly materials in construction.

3. Improving public transport systems.

One of the most effective ways to reduce traffic congestion, air pollution, and noise levels is through the development of efficient and reliable public transport systems. This can include things like improved bus services, light rail networks, or bike-sharing schemes that encourage people to use environmentally-friendly modes of transport.

4. Investing in urban infrastructure.

Another important way to help cities deal with the challenges associated with urbanization is through investment in key areas such as water supply, sanitation, and housing solutions for low-income communities.

5. Encouraging economic development in rural areas.

Promoting economic development in rural areas can help to reduce the pressure on cities and encourage urban population to return to their home communities. This could include programs that support agricultural initiatives, or efforts to promote rural tourism and local crafts industries.

6. Promoting population health programs in rural areas.

One of the best ways to improve poor health is to focus on prevention and education programs in rural areas. This could involve things like providing access to clean water and sanitation facilities, or investing in health care facilities and personnel. It could also mean promoting healthy lifestyle choices through public awareness campaigns.

7. International agreements with developing countries.

Some of the most impacted places in the world are the developing countries, so we need agreements at the international level for greater investment in urban planning, transport, and infrastructure development.

8. Promoting social inclusion and reducing inequalities.

homeless

Finally, one of the most effective ways to mitigate negative impacts of urbanization is to promote social inclusion and reduce inequalities by promoting economic growth. This can be done by creating jobs that provide decent working conditions, as well as access to health care, education, and other essential services for urban and rural population alike. It can also involve initiatives to provide housing for low-income families, or to create community spaces that bring people together. Obviously all of these solutions are thought in a big scale where governments and companies do most of the planning and executing, but… You want to know the best part? There are also things you can do to help out!

These are some of the things you can do to help reducing the negative impact of urban areas

  1. You can put some pressure in your local government to take the necessary measures.
  2. Support the development of environmental technology that helps mitigating the effects that cities have on the planet by using it.
  3. Plant trees and other vegetation to create shade and improve air quality.
  4. Use public transportation or ride a bike instead of driving.
  5. Recycle and compost as much as possible.
  6. Install solar panels to reduce the use of energy from the grid and even better, reduce your consumption by acquiring energy conscious habits like turning off the lights you are not using and disconnecting the devices when not in used.
  7. Make use of green roofs to keep buildings cooler in the summer and warmer during winter.
  8. When traveling to developing countries choose to visit and support rural areas and their communities.
  9. Be an advocate for change in your community.
  10. Educate yourself about climate change and what you can do to help.
  11. These last ideas are just a place to start. If you are really up for massive action join one of our volunteer programs in which you can become an active voice and use your own hands to try solving these issues by helping people and the environment to thrive. Join us now, we have very little time for action before is too late.
  12. Share and comment in this blog post so you can help spread the word!