Due to over-urbanization and little regard for nature conservation, such cities are usually characterized by poor biodiversity.
In China, and one might say in all developing countries in Asia, we are facing the same impact of over-urbanization.
Although it formerly bred as far east as the northern and central Atlantic states, its breeding range is now receding, probably toward its original pre-Columbian distribution as eastern lands historically cleared for agriculture during the mid-1800s retorn to forest, or are progressively taken over by urbanization.
In essence, it matters not whether it is reef degradation, over-fishing, urbanization, youth unemployment, global financial crises, or natural disasters – the need for well functioning institutions, an empowered citizenry and a resilient adaptable economy is the same.
Farmland is not only paved over by urbanization but is occasionally poisoned with chemicals.
According to The Brookings Institution, infrastructure and service delivery have not kept pace with urbanization – over 50%percentt of urban dwellers in sub-Saharan Africa live in slums and only 40% of the urban population has access to improved sanitation facilities.
Over time, urbanization has blurred the differences between city and country.
Natural processes and anthropogenic activities like; over extraction, urbanization and agricultural activities are the main reason for seawater intrusion and water quality deterioration in coastal aquifers (Mondal et al. 2011; Selvam et al. 2013).
And, given India's abysmal record when it comes to even relatively modest rates of urbanization over the past few decades, the coming urban wave could just as well spell disaster as opportunity.
The world has experienced an unprecedented level of urbanization over the past 50 years, with the world's urban population exceeding the rural population for the first time in the early years of this century.
