Unit 7: People

and Urbanization
Urbanization, a global phenomenon, is characterized by the
increasing concentration of populations in cities. This unit
explores the causes, consequences, and challenges of
urbanization, focusing on its environmental, social, and
economic impacts.

Dannie Anne Carreon

Karen Ebreo
Defining Urbanization
Urbanization refers to the growth of urban areas, driven by factors such as migration,
economic development, and population growth. It involves the transformation of rural
landscapes into urban centers, accompanied by a shift in economic activities and lifestyles.

Population Growth Economic Factors Technological

1 2 3
Urban areas attract people seeking Cities offer employment Advancements
better opportunities, resulting in opportunities and a more dynamic Improved infrastructure and
population concentration. economy, leading to further technologies contribute to
growth. urbanization, facilitating growth
and development.
Causes of Urban Growth
Urban growth is influenced by a complex interplay of factors, including natural
resource availability, economic opportunities, and social and cultural factors.

1 2 3

Economic Migration Technological

Opportunities People move to urban areas for better Advancements
Cities offer a higher concentration of Improvements in transportation,
education, healthcare, and social
jobs and businesses, attracting people communication, and infrastructure
services, leading to increased
seeking better livelihoods. facilitate urban growth and
population density.
development.
Demographic Shifts in Urban Areas
Urbanization leads to significant demographic shifts, including population
growth, age structures, and changing family sizes. These shifts impact urban
planning, social services, and resource allocation.

Age Structures Family Sizes Cultural Diversity

Urban areas often have Urbanization can lead Migration patterns

a younger population to smaller family sizes, create diverse urban
due to migration influenced by factors populations,
patterns, impacting such as cost of living contributing to cultural
education, healthcare, and changing lifestyles. exchange and social
and employment. dynamics.
Environmental Impacts of
Urbanization
Urbanization has profound environmental consequences, including
pollution, resource depletion, and habitat loss. Sustainable urban
planning is essential to mitigate these impacts.

Air Pollution Water Pollution

Urban areas generate high levels of Urban wastewater, industrial
air pollutants from vehicle emissions, discharges, and agricultural runoff
industrial activity, and energy contribute to water pollution in urban
consumption. areas.

Urban Heat Island Effect Habitat Loss

Dense urban structures and lack of Urban sprawl encroaches on natural
vegetation lead to higher habitats, leading to biodiversity loss
temperatures in cities compared to and ecosystem degradation.
surrounding areas.
Infrastructure Challenges in
Urban Areas
As cities grow, they face infrastructure challenges related to transportation, housing,
energy, and waste management. Efficient and sustainable urban planning is crucial to
address these challenges.

Transportation Traffic congestion, limited public

transport, and infrastructure strain.

Housing Affordability, availability, and quality

of housing are critical concerns in
growing cities.

Energy Meeting energy demands, reducing

carbon emissions, and promoting
renewable energy sources.

Waste Management Managing waste disposal, recycling,

and reducing environmental impact.
Sustainable Urban Planning
Strategies
Sustainable urban planning aims to balance economic growth, social equity, and
environmental protection. It involves adopting strategies to promote efficient
resource use, reduce pollution, and enhance quality of life.

Green Infrastructure
Integrating parks, green roofs, and urban forests to improve air
quality, reduce heat, and enhance biodiversity.

Public Transportation
Promoting public transport options, cycling, and pedestrian-friendly
environments to reduce traffic congestion and emissions.

Renewable Energy
Investing in renewable energy sources such as solar and wind power
to reduce reliance on fossil fuels and carbon emissions.
Urbanization and Social
Inequity
Urbanization can exacerbate social inequity, leading to disparities in access to
resources, services, and opportunities. Sustainable urban planning must
address these inequalities.

Housing Segregation Access to Services

Disparities in housing Inequalities in access to
affordability and quality can education, healthcare, and other
create segregated neighborhoods essential services can hinder
and limit access to opportunities. social mobility and create
disparities.

Economic Inequality
Disparities in income, employment opportunities, and wealth can
perpetuate social inequity and limit opportunities for marginalized groups.
 Urban Trend
• Refers to patterns, movements, or shifts in lifestyle, culture,
design, technology, or behavior that emerge and evolve within
urban or metropolitan areas.

• These trends are influenced by the dynamics of cities, including

population density, diverse demographics, technological
advancements, and cultural convergence.

• Urban trends often shape the way people live, work, socialize,
and interact with their environment.
Examples of Urban Trends
Lifestyle and Culture:
• Increased interest in minimalism and micro-apartments due to limited living
space.
• Growth of diverse food scenes, including food trucks and pop-up restaurants.
• Urban gardening and green rooftop spaces.

Technology and Innovation:

• Smart city initiatives with IoT (Internet of Things) for traffic management, waste
disposal, and energy efficiency.
• The rise of shared mobility (e.g., bike-sharing, ride-hailing apps).
• Adoption of cashless payment systems.
Sustainability:
•Eco-friendly urban planning, including sustainable architecture and public
transportation.
•Expansion of pedestrian zones and bike lanes.
•Increased focus on reducing carbon footprints in urban areas.

Social Behavior:
•The rise of co-working and co-living spaces.
•Greater emphasis on community building through social media and urban events.
•Shifts in consumption patterns, such as a preference for thrifting or local markets.

Fashion and Design:

•Streetwear becoming mainstream, often influenced by urban youth culture.
•Bold architectural styles that integrate technology with aesthetics.
Conclusion: The Future
of Cities
The future of cities is intertwined with
sustainable development, addressing
social inequity, and mitigating
environmental impacts. By embracing
innovative solutions, cities can become
more resilient, equitable, and livable for
all.
 Assessment Task
• Group work of 3 persons.
• Go around the city and look for “urban trend” for the last 5 years.
• Take photos and make a short (1-3 minutes) presentation for next meeting.
• Rubrics:
• Content – 50%
• Media
• Story
• Uniqueness – 30%
• Audience participation 20%