How Can Urbanization Be Better?

Urbanization refers to a phenomenon in which people migrate from rural areas, allowing cities and
towns to grow. As more and more people move closer to cities and towns, they tend to acquire privileged
social and economic services and benefits, which is very common in developing and developed countries.
Better education, health care, sanitation, housing, business opportunities, and transport are some of the
social and economic benefits. However, the growth of the population in urban areas can be described as a
gradual increase and may lead to unplanned urbanization. One factor is the lack of housing, which will lead
to an unhealthy environment in a place that is unconnected, unplanned, unequal, and chaotic, without
considering future sustainability risks. It puts too many people at risk, creates unnecessary costs, and is
intrinsically unfair (Coalition for Urban Transitions, 2019). To cope more adequately with the challenges of
our time, there is therefore a need for changes in urbanization patterns. Urbanization becomes a problem
when an area is poorly planned, which can lead to pollution, crime, inequality, and other social issues.

The growth of cities is driven by urbanization. This results in the development of opportunities for
individuals and families. However, many health challenges that are often difficult to address can result from
the rapid and unplanned development of cities. Several unintended consequences, like poverty in cities or
health inequalities, could arise from inadequate urbanization planning and management. These leads to a
lack of proper planning, which results in inadequately built settlements without the essential infrastructure
and services contributing to hazardous formation. It may become unsafe, unreliable and could lack
healthcare for its users. The growing population density and the needs of urban environments are being
aggravated by poor air quality, insufficient water availability, issues related to waste disposal as well as high
energy consumption. As the world expands, it will be necessary to develop strong city planning if we are to
manage these and other challenges. Poverty and inequality are other negative consequences. One of the
reasons for such consequences is that there is a high level of population growth. Although poverty is often
seen as a lack of material resources, it also corresponds to all aspects of life: the world's poor have an
increased risk for malnutrition, less access to basic services such as education, electricity, clean water, and
healthcare, and are more vulnerable to conflict and climate change.

The urbanization process, as well as the development of industry, continues to develop within this
modern age. It causes a change in urban areas which increases population pressure. Urbanization is,
therefore, the place in which people live and where growth takes place. The main causes of unplanned
urbanization are as follows: Poor housing conditions and higher crime rates are among some of the
challenges people face in cities that can lead to unplanned urbanization. They are also often poor in terms
of wages or jobs, as well as polluted water and sanitation. Random settlement is increasing because of
unplanned urbanization. It has deficient management of drainage, drinking water, road traffic, and so on.
People are forced to survive utilizing limited resources. With a life of suffering, the health of humans can be
compromised. These consequences tend for people to move due to population growth. In addition, modern
living standards make it easier for people to move into urban areas. To start development activities on a
proportional basis in all areas, it should be balanced and adopted. This will ensure balance in the use of
natural resources. Participation of people in development activities throughout the region has increased.
The rural area should have basic facilities such as water, electricity, health services, communication, and
education. People won't be attracted to cities when they get these facilities in their vicinity. To control the
expansion of unplanned urbanization, development in rural areas may be helpful. These actions will
contribute to mitigating the negative effects of unplanned urbanization.
 Urban planning affects every aspect of our transport system, infrastructure, layout, and
established densities for residential, commercial, or industrial areas. The idea of having a competitive
system: a strong economy and a place that is viable to all will reflect the vision of Filipinos if urban planning
systems are properly implemented. A sustainable environment, safety, and resilience to climate change will
result from systemic urban planning. It can be achieved by managing the usage of resources in space,
reducing pollution levels, and making transport systems as efficient as possible. Good urban planning that
enhances the quality of life can help improve the livability for cities.

Governments, non-governmental organizations, and the community may all work together to make
urbanization more sustainable and equitable. They must adapt to this expansion by doing a few things:
First, all nations must develop strategies for supplying sufficient nutrition, hygiene, and schooling for all
people. Second, expansion must occur in a way that does not harm the land and provides us with products
and amenities which sustain the human population. Food production could shift to farms attached to
buildings and tall structures, rooftop gardens, or unoccupied spaces in metropolitan areas, with increasing
power coming from various renewable energy sources. Instead of single-family homes, more apartments
will be constructed vertically. Buildings housing everyone who wants a normal life are achievable in a few
profitable communities which prioritize creating them regionally and sustainably. Cities' future, amid more
integrated yet globalized worlds, is diverse, wonderful, and innovative, instead of dependent on one
particular livelihood.

In conclusion, the environmental impact of urbanization or urban spread due to population growth
has a detrimental effect on the environment. It's responsible for the growing pollution of air, rainwater, and
land. The population is also affected by climate change. Due to the social, educational, and health services
available in larger cities, more people are moving into urban areas. Sustainable and environmentally
friendly urban areas should be created.

REFERENCE

Coalition for Urban Transitions (2019). Climate Emergency, Urban Opportunity: How National
Governments Can Secure Economic Prosperity and Avert Climate Catastrophe by Transforming Cities.
https://urbantransitions.global/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/Climate-Emergency-Urban-Opportunity-report.p
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