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.
Incidence
According to the United Nations, over 90% of urban residents worldwide breathe air that exceeds WHO pollution guidelines, with cities in low- and middle-income countries most affected. The World Bank estimates that urban flooding, heatwaves, and other environmental hazards threaten over 1.4 billion city dwellers globally, with Asia and Africa experiencing the fastest growth in urban environmental risks.
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 at least 300 deaths and widespread infrastructure damage, highlighting the acute vulnerability of cities to extreme environmental 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 at least 300 deaths and widespread infrastructure damage, highlighting the acute vulnerability of cities to extreme environmental events.
Claim
Environmental risks in cities are an urgent crisis that cannot be ignored. Urban areas, home to millions, face escalating threats from pollution, climate change, and habitat loss. These risks jeopardize public health, exacerbate social inequalities, and threaten biodiversity. As cities expand, the need for sustainable practices and robust policies becomes critical. We must prioritize environmental resilience to safeguard our future, ensuring that urban living does not come at the expense of our planet and its inhabitants.
Counter-claim
While some may argue that environmental risks in cities are a pressing issue, I contend that they are overstated. Urban areas are resilient and adaptive, with technology and infrastructure continually evolving to mitigate risks. The focus on environmental concerns often distracts from more immediate urban challenges, such as economic growth and public safety. Prioritizing these tangible issues will yield far greater benefits for city dwellers than fixating on hypothetical environmental threats.
Aggravated by
Metadata
Database
World problems
Type
(C) Cross-sectoral problems
Biological classification
N/A
Content quality
Presentable
Language
English
D7NID
230550
Last update
Oct 4, 2020
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