13.1 An urbanising world

• The global population has seen unprecedented growth, especially in the last century.

• Population growth rates have accelerated as overall numbers have increased.

• Urbanisation is the increasing proportion of people living in urban areas, such as towns and cities.

• It's driven by both natural population increases and migration from rural to urban areas.

• Urban growth refers to the physical expansion of urban spaces.

• Urbanisation is occurring more rapidly in less developed regions compared to more developed ones.

• The most significant increases are projected in newly emerging economies (NEEs) like India, China, and Nigeria.

• High-income countries (HICs) currently have higher urbanisation rates, but the pace is quicker in lower-income countries.

Misconception 1: Urbanisation is the same as  development.

Reality: While urbanisation often accompanies economic growth, it can also lead to challenges like increased inequality and environmental stress.