World Cities Report 2022: India’s urban population to stand at 675 million in 2035, behind China’s 1 billion

What is the News?

United Nations-Habitat(UN-Habitat) has released the World Cities Report 2022.

What are the key findings of the report?

World Urban Population

The urban population is expected to continue to grow naturally through rising birth rates, particularly in lower-income countries.

Globally, the urban population is forecast to grow from 56% of the global total in 2021 to 68% by 2050.

India’s Urban Population

By 2035, the percentage of the population in India at mid-year residing in urban areas will be 43.2% (675 million). This will be the second-highest behind China’s one billion.

What are the challenges faced by urban areas?

Urban poverty and inequality remain one of the most intractable and highly complex problems confronting cities.

Further, cities especially those in warm climates or low-lying coastal areas face existential threats due to the risks and impacts of climate change and extreme weather events.

What are the suggestions given by the report?

The ​​report calls for greater commitment by national, regional and local governments and encourages the further adoption of innovative technologies and urban living concepts such as the “15-minute city.”

Note: “15-minute city concept” was popularized in Paris, Melbourne and other places. It envisages that residents can meet most of their daily needs within a 15-minute journey.

Source: The post is based on the article “World Cities Report 2022: India’s urban population to stand at 675 million in 2035, behind China’s 1 billion” published in The Hindu on 30th June 2022.