URBANIZATION AND ENVIRONMENTAL CHALLENGES
Abstract
Urbanization is one of the most significant demographic, economic and spatial transformations of the contemporary world. Cities provide employment, education, healthcare, infrastructure, markets and opportunities for innovation, but rapid and poorly planned urban growth also creates serious environmental challenges. Expansion of built-up areas, increasing energy consumption, motorization, industrial activity, construction, waste generation and conversion of natural land can contribute to air pollution, urban heat, water stress, flooding, loss of green space, biodiversity degradation and climate vulnerability. Recent research increasingly emphasizes that these challenges are interconnected rather than independent environmental problems.This research examines the relationship between urbanization and environmental challenges through a systematic review of recent academic and institutional literature published primarily between 2023 and 2026. The study focuses on major environmental consequences of urbanization and evaluates emerging approaches for sustainable urban development. Literature was identified through Google Scholar-oriented searches and academic databases using keywords related to urbanization, environmental degradation, urban sustainability, climate change, urban heat, green infrastructure, air pollution, water management and climate resilience.
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