Global Urbanization and Development

The world today has seen tremendous increase in the levels of urban centers. The urbanization prospects have not been coupled with similar counteracting measures in terms of housing and pollution control. Though this is a precursor to and an indicator of economic development, it comes with mixed blessings and in the very earnest terms is a blessing that is much disguised. Urbanization, a Mixed Blessing Urbanization is one of the complex processes where the communities of any state become large, specialized and relatively more interdependent.

Urbanization is a result of many processes. However, the most important and notable variable in the urbanization process are technological, economical, environmental, political and demographic. The interaction of these salient factors translates to urbanization. Countries with very high rates of industrialization seem to be experiencing high rate of urbanization. Towns have been growing at high rates particularly where industries have been established on their outskirts. Clearly, industrialization will trigger urbanization.

When industries are established, estates are developed to cater for the shelter needs of the employees in the industries and proprietors alike. In addition, those who work in the industries need to be provided with other services hence prompting the development of shopping centers. Over time this suburbs become part of the town and increase the level of the urban centers. When the economy of any state is on a positive track, the proceeds from the investments are reinvested in other ventures. The venture has to acquire its employees who need to be sheltered.

In the process of providing the employees with shelter and other important services town centers start sprouting up. Overall, the economy grows resulting from the increased economic activities. Entrepreneurs make profits and use them to improve their living standards while the employees equally use the proceeds from their labor to invest in other ventures that would earn returns. Though it is appreciated that urbanization may bring about investment and improvement in the standards of living, industrialization which is a precursor of urbanization brings with it environmental pollutions.

Besides, urban centers come with increase in social evil. Crimes tend to escalate in urban centers. In addition, the concentration of the wider population in the urban areas normally leads to unprecedented inequalities. The urban population gets richer while the rural population seems to be getting poorer by the day. The plotted graphs clearly show that the high the level of urbanization the high the level of pollution. The pollution may be in the forms of noise, dust, smoke and industrial wastes. In addition, the congestion brought about by urbanization contributes to the spread of diseases.

Canada’s urbanization has followed the same trends as its economic development trend. In any country, increase in the economic development seems to largely support the development of urban centers. As at 1996, when census was done in Canada, an estimated 78% of the Canadian population was living in urban centers. Canada is ranked amongst the fastest industrializing countries in the world. Of particular interest in the class are Pakistan, Belgium, Australia, United Kingdom and Israel. However, Canada exhibits an exceptional urbanization trend.

Most of the provinces in Canada that are experiencing high levels of urbanization have high levels of economic development with controlled pollution levels. The data presented shows that middle level economies may experience the highest levels of urbanization in the 21st century. With the ever-increasing population in the middle level economies, it is most likely that unemployment in the rural area will increase while the resources available may not increase at similar rates precipitating the movement of the unemployed into the cities.

Consequently, urban centers will grow at high rates. Continued urbanization will present numerous challenges. Most importantly, the urbanization process will lead to congestion. The congestion will prompt the increase in the cost of living in the urban centers. Because of the disparities in the costs of giving and the incomes of the urban dwellers, it is most likely that crime will start increasing with the jobless trying to make ends meet. The increase in the urban population would equally lead to the drop in the wage bills arising from the increase in the supply of the labor force.

Subsequently, the living standards of the urban dwellers will drop. There will be a large gap between the lower class urban dwellers and the upper class urban dwellers. These inequalities will be precipitated leading to the general national inequality. Housing will be a major challenge that will be precipitated by rapid migration into the urban centers. While the urban population will be increasing, the development of the housing infrastructure may not be at the same rate. This will translate to a housing crisis in the urban center. In the quest towards bridging the gap to the housing challenge, poor housing estates will be developed or the very worst, slums will become a norm.

Conclusion

The entire globe should welcome urbanization given that with the rapid industrialization the trend is inevitable. Nevertheless, measures should be taken to ensure that the blessings do not become disguised.