While rapid urbanization puts pressure on resources and the environment, the increase in density of cities can being about technological advancement and improve efficiency, which reduces resource and energy consumption.

In addition to addressing living conditions in urban areas, there is a need to invest in infrastructure and innovation to improve transport, communications and the use of renewable energy⁸⁴.

Extreme poverty is often concentrated in urban spaces, where poor families settle into slums.  The fast pace of urbanization exerts pressure on water and energy supplies, the environment and public health⁸³.

• Half the global population – 3.5 billion people – lives in cities today⁷⁹
• The world’s cities occupy only 3% of land, but account for at least 60% of energy consumption and 75% of greenhouse gas emissions⁸⁰
• An estimated one-third of food produced are wasted each year, which equates to 1.3 billion tonnes worth around $1 trillion of food wastage generated⁸¹.
• Water is being polluted at a faster rate than nature can recycle and purify it⁸².