Between now and 2050 the number of people living
in cities will grow from 3.9 billion to 6.3 billion. The
proportion of urban dwellers will swell from 54% to 67% of
the world's population, according to the UN. In other words,
for the next 36 years the world's cities will expand by the
equivalent of six São Paulos every year. This growth will
largely occur in developing countries. But most
governments there are ignoring the problem, says William
Cobbett of the Cities Alliance, an NGO that supports
initiatives such as the one launched by New York University
to help cities make long-term preparations for their growth.
“Whether we want it or not, urbanisation is inevitable," say
specialists. “The real question is: how can we improve its
quality?"