Environmental risks in cities
- Urban environmental hazards
Nature
Among the most serious environmental problems in cities are air and water pollution, solid waste accumulation and disposal (including toxic and hazardous wastes), and noise. Many cities are also at risk from natural hazards or hazards whose origin may be natural but where human actions have significantly increased the level of risk.
Background
Environmental risks in cities emerged as a global concern in the mid-20th century, when rapid urbanization revealed acute air and water pollution, waste accumulation, and vulnerability to natural hazards. Landmark events such as London’s Great Smog (1952) and the Bhopal disaster (1984) heightened awareness of urban environmental hazards. Since then, international initiatives—such as UN-Habitat’s Global Urban Observatory—have tracked and deepened understanding of these risks as urban populations and their impacts have grown worldwide.
Incidence
Urban areas worldwide are increasingly exposed to environmental risks such as air and water pollution, heatwaves, flooding, and waste accumulation. According to the United Nations, over 55% of the global population now lives in cities, intensifying the impact and frequency of these hazards. Rapid urbanization, inadequate infrastructure, and climate change have exacerbated the vulnerability of city populations, with millions affected annually by deteriorating environmental conditions.
In July 2021, Zhengzhou, China, experienced catastrophic urban flooding after receiving a year’s worth of rainfall in just three days. The disaster resulted in over 300 deaths and highlighted the acute vulnerability of cities to extreme weather events.
In July 2021, Zhengzhou, China, experienced catastrophic urban flooding after receiving a year’s worth of rainfall in just three days. The disaster resulted in over 300 deaths and highlighted the acute vulnerability of cities to extreme weather events.
Claim
Environmental risks in cities are an urgent crisis that cannot be ignored. Air pollution, water contamination, and heatwaves threaten millions of lives daily. Urban populations are growing, yet city planning often neglects sustainability, putting public health and the planet at risk. If we fail to address these dangers now, we jeopardize our future and that of generations to come. Immediate, decisive action is not just important—it is absolutely essential.
Counter-claim
Concerns about environmental risks in cities are vastly overblown. Urban areas have always adapted to challenges, and technological advancements continue to mitigate pollution and resource issues. Focusing on these so-called “risks” distracts from more pressing societal problems. Cities drive economic growth and innovation, and their environmental impact is exaggerated by alarmists. There is no urgent crisis—urban environments are resilient, and the supposed dangers are not nearly as significant as critics claim.
Aggravated by
Metadata
Database
World problems
Type
(C) Cross-sectoral problems
Biological classification
N/A
Content quality
Presentable
Language
English
D7NID
230550
Editing link
Official link
Last update
Oct 4, 2020