Nine thousand years ago the so-called 'cradle of civilization' was born. Since the birth of Mesopotamia people have slowly been migrating away from the countryside and into cities for what they hope would become a golden life. In the past century, this migratory process has been expedited exponentially so much so that during the mid-1900s the first two megacities were born(cities with 10 million + inhabitants): New York and Tokyo. It was long before 17 other cities joined the ranks of these gigantic urban dwellings.
Quoted as the "dawn of the urban millennium" the early twenty-first century is already revealing staggering trends of human movement. While only occupying around 3% of the Earth's surface, about 50% of the global population will call these cement forests their home by the end of 2008. A further UN forecasts predicts that by the end of 2050, that number will be closer to 70%.
But what does this all mean? Well one's initial thought might be directed towards the exponential growth of slums. Lured by the "bright lights" of a city, many migrate with the misconception that an urban area is equated with a higher standard of living...unfortunately they are often wrong. With this idea one cannot help but paint a picture of rows upon rows of corrugated tin-roof huts, lack of access to clean water, no form of proper sanitation, and denial of many of the fundamental necessities of life. While it is ignorant to deny the existence of these tragic pockets of civilization, it is also irresponsible to view the slums in another light.
From an optimists point of view, these concentrations of people represent potential. In factual terms social services such as education and health care cost less per capital in urban than in rural areas. With appropriate governance and adequate resources (yes, I know a lot easier said than done) governments can channel the people and the energy into an avenue to which positive opportunities are realized. So its not all bad.
In fact, I would term this trend as phenomenal. I am not insinuating that it is negative nor positive, but only that the "trickle that has become a torrent" is yet another feat humanity has brought upon itself.
Sources:
National Geographic
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