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Citi Perspectives for the Public Sector
|
2015 – 2016
31
In 2007,
the United
Nations
announced
that — for the
first time
in human
history —
over 50% of
the world’s
population
lived in cities.
The world is increasingly urbanized. In 2007, the United Nations announced that — for the first time
in human history — over 50% of the world’s population lived in cities. The pace of migration to cities
is accelerating. The UN’s Global Report on Human Settlements predicts that 59% of the world’s
population will be living in urban areas by 2030. By 2050, more than 70% of the world’s population
is expected to live in cities, with the fastest growth taking place in emerging market countries.
Urbanization is being driven by a variety of push and pull factors. Decreasing employment in
agriculture is pushing people to find new jobs — which are inevitably in cities. Meanwhile, the
attractions of urban living are luring people to cities. People see metropolitan areas as offering
greater life chances: education is more accessible; there are more — and better paid — jobs; and
health care is more easily available. Put simply — life is perceived to be better.
However, the reality of urban living can be challenging — especially for newly arrived migrants in
emerging market cities. Overcrowding is common; infrastructure — such as roads, public transport,
water, electricity and other services — is frequently overburdened (or dilapidated in the case of
developed world cities); in some cities crime can be a problem. For many governments, urbanization
is extremely difficult to manage and new migrants are tough to assimilate.