Challenges of Urbanization

Urbanization has played an important role in the development of under developed and developing countries. It is believed that the developed countries of the world could achieve fast economic progress due to large-scale urbanization. Urbanization during the industrial revolution helped fast development of some European countries. However, the environmental challenges have been quite difficult to deal with.

Advantages

Urbanization is a process in which overall development of a particular region takes place. New industries are set up and this in turn helps to create large-scale employment which is much-needed in developing countries. Due to employment, the per capita income of the people rises and the region achieves prosperity. Urbanization provides better infrastructure facilities, medical facilities and educational opportunities to millions of people. Urbanization also helps develop a scientific attitude among people. The overall standard of living of the people rises considerably because of urbanization. It helps the region to prosper and cater to the needs of a large population. Urbanization provides plenty of opportunities for people from all sections of society to excel and achieve their goals.

Challenges

Environmental pollution and Degradation
Pollution and degradation of the environment is one of the most prominent challenges. The increased number of vehicles on the roads and industrial wastes are the main sources of air pollution. Urbanization also leads to a rise in the noise pollution levels. Contamination of sea, river and lake water due to various human activities is also a serious issue resulting out of fast urbanization. Land pollution is also a matter of great concern. These types of pollution can cause adverse effects on the health and well-being of people.

Population Explosion
Population explosion means a great rise in the population of a particular area over a time. It has been observed that industrialization and urbanization leads to an increase in the population of the region at a very fast pace. The population growth results in a situation where the facilities provided by the government are to be shared among many people. This can further cause inequitable distribution of wealth and resources. Providing the huge population with essential resources becomes a big challenge due to population explosion. It also puts a tremendous strain on the finances of the country.

Sanitation, Water and Transport Problems
The rise in the number of vehicles puts a huge strain on the infrastructure available for transport such as roads and railways. Water problems are quite common in many parts of urban cities. Keeping the cities clean and well maintained is surely one of the biggest challenges that we are facing.

Housing
Providing shelter to a big population is indeed a big challenge posed by urbanization. The lack of space for construction of houses and buildings results in deforestation which causes several environmental problems. The problem of slums in urban cities is becoming more and more difficult to tackle due to the issue of displacement that the huge population residing in these slums will face.

Rising Cost of Living and Wealth Inequality
The cost of living in urban cities is quite high compelling many people to live in poverty. Inequalities in the distribution of wealth which widens the gap between the rich and the poor is also a serious problem to deal with.

Increase in Crime
One of the biggest challenges is the increase in the crime rate. Surveys conducted suggest that the crime rate is much higher in urban cities as compared to backward regions. The rise in the number of crimes is due to the need to earn wealth which results in people resorting to unfair means. The average person in the urban areas suffers the most because of the rise in criminal activities.

This was all about the advantages and disadvantages of urbanization. Challenges can be dealt with through efficient government policies and proper implementation. It is important for all nations of the world to come together and discuss ways to solve these problems completely.