The revolution in thinking that will alleviate the urban population crisis

Document Type:Coursework

Subject Area:Sociology

Document 1

It is estimated that cities are likely to spend at least three trillion dollars in the next fifteen years, all in a bid to accommodate these radical changes (Steer). The problem with the current model of urban planning is that it advocates for building complex road networks that extend from the cities into the suburbs. It also includes the purchase of more personal vehicles that drain the already energy-deficient economies. This situation would inadvertently lead to the emission of more greenhouse gases and the destruction of air quality. The majority of the population migrating to the urban areas is in the developing countries. This revolution could focus on Bus Rapid Transport systems, dedicated bus space, custom design stations, and pre-boarding tickets.

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When this is done the revolution in thinking that could avert the urban migration crisis would have started. By 2050 the global urban population will be greater than the global rural population; this change would lead to more congested cities with polluted atmospheres and scarce availability of basic amenities. There is a need to implement environmentally sustainable and economically robust measures of urban planning in order to avert the impending crisis. It is estimated that cities are likely to spend at least three trillion dollars in the next fifteen years, all in a bid to accommodate these radical changes (Steer). The initial thought that emphasized the building of sprawling and car-dependent megacities would only create the crisis that the article speaks about.

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The use of technology and formation of strict policies would help to create cities with bigger populations and smaller carbon footprints. Steer posits that some roads cover twenty percent of the land surface yet they operate at only five percent capacity. It, therefore, seems rational to reduce the cover of sprawling roads and focus on the effectiveness of the already existing ones. This revolution could focus on Bus Rapid Transport systems, dedicated bus space, custom design stations, and pre-boarding tickets. 95% in the European Union. Since there are no alternatives left the people living in these areas are forced to use water from polluted sources. The fecal waste, chemical impurities and plastic bags often pose a health hazard. When human beings are exposed to such living conditions, diseases such as cholera, typhoid, polio, and hepatitis are bound to cause pandemics – pandemics that kill millions of people at a time and continue being a case of death as long as clean water is not availed to the affected groups.

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In addition to the systemic problems, there are other factors such as famine, the prevalence of HIV/ AIDs and low-levels of education greatly contribute to the problem of low-life expectancy in the third world countries. Political leaders know that if they fail to implement forward policies then they can easily be voted out in the next election. Foreign aid does two unbecoming things: it increases the prize that is at stake during elections and it eliminates the element of accountability in political circles. This systematic failure may lead to massive corruption scandals and misappropriation of funds that were supposed to be channeled to development agendas. Another critical cause to the underdevelopment of third world countries despite foreign aid is donor self-interest.

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Since the concept of funding materialized there have been billions of dollars exchanging hands, though poverty alleviation remains far from being achieved. In order to end poverty in the developing world, empowerment must be emphasized – only then shall the third world countries realize the fruits of foreign aid. IV. Democracy and development do not have to be mutually exclusive Democracy and developments are two elements that can be realized at the same time in the same country. Democracy implies that people have a chance to have their voices heard and their opinions expressed; this is often done through voting and public participation. However, in some cases, especially in the third world countries, democracy seems to lead to a political pluralism that makes the political class over-ambitious and exceedingly anxious to exploit the resources that are on offer.

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The causes of underdevelopment have nothing to do with multi-party elections and the plurality of political thought. It is important to evaluate the examples set by the first world countries in tackling the issue of development. Many nations, especially those in the European Union, enjoy robust democracy that is not at all undermined by their strong economies. This idea, however, does not mean that democracy requires socio-economic development to thrive. There is no theory that sufficiently proves this notion to be true. Adequate transport is another core factor that could unlock the limits of the African continent. It is estimated that only sixty percent of Africans live within two kilometers of an all-weather road. This insufficiency affects the agriculture industry, manufacturing industry and virtually any business that depends on road transport for its smooth running.

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The free flow of goods and inter-continental trade is rendered ineffective by the inadequate transport networks. The potential for foreign exchange is, therefore, left unexplored. Even the rural population would have a chance to participate in the national and global conversation and this would be the beginning of empowerment. VI. The most significant problems that developing states face on their road to development One of the biggest impediments for the economic growth of developing countries is the inability to mobilize resources domestically. The ability to effectively collect and handle tax revenues would seem to be the foremost step towards achieving economic development. However, the informal sector presents various taxing challenges that often make the tax revenues insufficient. It might be a good idea to streamline the processes and reporting mechanisms.

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