Urbanization is a global phenomenon it is the process of people moving from rural areas to cities, the United Nations estimates that by 2050, 68% of the world’s population will live in urban areas. Urbanization leads to a significant increase in environmental pollution. The rapid growth of cities results in results in; air pollution increased vehicle emissions and industrial activities. Water pollution, inadequate waste management, and sewage systems contaminate water sources. Soil pollution and industrial and agricultural activities lead to soil contamination. Noise pollution, increased traffic, and industrial activities result in high noise levels waste management, inadequate waste disposal systems lead to litter, pollution, and health issues. As per Desmond Morris:- “The city is not a concrete jungle, it’s a human jungle.”
Rapid population growth puts pressure on urban infrastructure, leading to pollution. Industrial activities release pollutants into the air, water, and soil increasing vehicle emissions contribute to air pollution. High energy demand leads to increased greenhouse gas emissions. Inadequate waste management systems and public transportation exacerbate pollution.
Urbanization has led to the rapid growth of industries and factories in many areas, along with increased vehicles on the roads. The smoke and gases released by factories and cars pollute the air, causing various types of pollution. Gone are the days when children could play freely in the streets and birds filled the skies. Due to pollution caused by urbanization, such peaceful sights are now rare in cities. The air in urban areas has become harmful because of toxic gases and smoke from vehicles and factories. Additionally, household and industrial waste is being dumped into rivers and lakes, making the water unsafe to use. Moreover, trees are still being cut down to build houses, and farmland is shrinking as a result.
Respiratory problems: air pollution leads to respiratory issues such as asthma (waterborne diseases). Contaminated water sources lead to waterborne diseases. Soil degradation: soil pollution affects agricultural productivity and ecosystems. Noise-related health issues: noise pollution leads to hearing loss, stress, and sleep disturbances. Climate change: urban pollution contributes to climate change, affecting global ecosystems.
How to fix:
Sustainable urban planning: Build cities with parks, better public transport, and proper garbage systems. Renewable energy: Use energy from the sun or wind instead of harmful fuels. Green infrastructure: Add rooftop gardens, plant more trees, and create city green areas. Waste reduction & recycling: Create systems to manage garbage better and recycle more. Public awareness and education: Teach people why protecting the environment is important and how they can help. Massachusetts v EPA (2007) established that urbanization contributes to greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution. The Supreme Court ruled that the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) must regulate pollutants contributing to climate change, underlining the federal government’s role in mitigating urban environmental issues.
Ultimately, we conclude that pollution due to urbanization is a pressing global issue, threatening human health environmental sustainability, and economic development. The future directions to resolve the problem are green infrastructure and renewable energy, education, community engagement, integrated urban planning, and management.
Author
Amna Haidar
Member Pakistan Youth Parliament