global cities are defined by their total population in relation to major capital cities

Global Cities: A Definition by Population Size in Relation to Major Capital Cities

The rapid growth of urban populations around the world is a pressing concern, with cities expanding at an unprecedented rate. According to recent estimates, half of humanity now resides in cities, and this figure is expected to rise to nearly 60 percent within the next two decades. As cities continue to swell, they face significant challenges in providing basic necessities such as access to safe water and sanitation facilities. In fact, the lack of adequate water and sanitation infrastructure leads to devastating consequences for human health, safety, the environment, economic growth, and development.

Despite progress made in increasing access to improved drinking water and sanitation coverage between 1990 and 2010, the urban population continues to grow at a staggering rate. During this period, an additional 1089 million people gained access to improved sanitation facilities, while 813 million more had their access to improved drinking water sources increased. However, these gains are being threatened by the rapid expansion of urban populations.

The challenges posed by urbanization are particularly acute in developing countries, where cities are growing at a rate of approximately 5 million new residents every month. This rapid growth puts a strain on already inadequate infrastructure, leading to a range of issues including water scarcity, sanitation crises, and increased risk of natural disasters such as floods and droughts.

The lack of access to safe water and sanitation facilities has far-reaching consequences for human health and well-being. Diseases such as diarrhoea, malaria, and cholera are common in areas where these basic necessities are lacking. Moreover, the environmental impact of inadequate water and sanitation infrastructure can be severe, leading to pollution, soil degradation, and loss of biodiversity.

In order to address these challenges, cities must prioritize provision for water and sanitation. This requires a comprehensive approach that involves not only increasing access to improved drinking water and sanitation facilities but also mitigating the effects of natural disasters such as floods and droughts. By working together, cities can ensure that their residents have access to the basic necessities required for healthy, safe, and sustainable living.

As global cities continue to grow in size and population, it is essential that we recognize the importance of providing adequate water and sanitation infrastructure. By doing so, we can mitigate the risks associated with urbanization and create more resilient, sustainable, and equitable communities.

Global cities are defined by their total population in relation to major capital cities