PREMIERE La métropolisation, un processus mondial différencié
Lionel Lacoux・11 minutes read
In 2018, 55% of the global population lived in urban areas, a drastic increase from 15% in 1900, highlighting the rapid urbanization process that is expected to reach 70% by 2050, particularly uneven in less developed countries. This trend has resulted in significant economic concentration in cities, exemplified by Tokyo's $1,900 billion Gross Urban Product, while also causing challenges like urban sprawl, long commutes, and socio-spatial inequalities.
Insights
- Urbanization has drastically transformed global demographics, with 55% of the population living in urban areas by 2018, a significant rise from just 15% in 1900, and projections suggest that by 2050, around 70% will reside in cities, highlighting the uneven pace of this change, particularly between developed and less developed regions.
- Major cities, or metropolises, are not only growing in population but also in economic power, with urban centers like Tokyo generating more wealth than entire countries, emphasizing the concentration of economic, cultural, and political functions in these areas, while also facing challenges such as urban sprawl and socio-spatial inequalities that affect residents' quality of life.
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Recent questions
What is urbanization?
Urbanization refers to the process by which an increasing percentage of a population comes to live in urban areas, typically resulting in the growth of cities. This phenomenon has been a significant global trend, particularly since the early 20th century, when only 15% of the world's population resided in urban settings. By 2018, this figure had risen to 55%, indicating a dramatic shift towards urban living. Urbanization is often driven by factors such as economic opportunities, better living standards, and the allure of city life, leading to the concentration of people and activities in metropolitan areas. As cities expand, they become central hubs for economic, cultural, and political activities, shaping the dynamics of modern society.
Why do people move to cities?
People move to cities for a variety of reasons, primarily in search of better economic opportunities, improved living conditions, and access to services. Urban areas often provide a concentration of jobs, educational institutions, healthcare facilities, and cultural amenities that are less available in rural regions. This migration is particularly pronounced in less developed countries, where rural exodus is driven by high demographic growth and the desire for a better quality of life. As cities grow, they attract individuals seeking to escape poverty or unemployment in rural areas, contributing to the rapid urbanization seen globally. However, this movement can also lead to challenges such as overcrowding, housing shortages, and increased socio-spatial inequalities.
What are megacities?
Megacities are defined as urban areas with a population exceeding ten million inhabitants. As of 2019, there were 30 megacities worldwide, with Tokyo being the largest, housing approximately 37 million residents. These cities are often characterized by their significant economic, cultural, and political influence, as they concentrate a vast array of resources and opportunities. Megacities face unique challenges, including environmental issues, infrastructure strain, and social disparities, as they must accommodate large populations while providing essential services. The growth of megacities is a reflection of global urbanization trends, particularly in Southern countries, where rapid population growth and migration from rural areas contribute to their expansion.
What is urban sprawl?
Urban sprawl refers to the uncontrolled expansion of urban areas into the surrounding rural land, often characterized by low-density development and increased reliance on automobiles. This phenomenon leads to residents living further away from city centers, resulting in longer commute times and greater environmental impact. For instance, in cities like Paris, residents may spend over an hour commuting daily for relatively short distances, highlighting the inefficiencies associated with urban sprawl. This pattern can exacerbate socio-spatial inequalities, as those in lower-income brackets may struggle to access essential services and employment opportunities. Urban sprawl poses significant challenges for urban planning, necessitating strategies to promote sustainable development and efficient transportation systems.
What is Gross Urban Product (GUP)?
Gross Urban Product (GUP) is an economic measure that reflects the total economic output produced by a specific urban area, similar to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) for countries. It highlights the economic significance of cities, illustrating how some metropolitan areas generate wealth that surpasses that of entire nations. For example, Tokyo's GUP was reported at $1,900 billion in 2017, underscoring its role as a global economic powerhouse. GUP serves as an important indicator of urban economic health, revealing the concentration of economic activities, cultural institutions, and political functions within cities. Understanding GUP can help policymakers and urban planners address economic disparities and promote sustainable growth in urban environments.
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Summary
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Global Urbanization Trends and Challenges Ahead
- In 2018, 55% of the global population lived in urban areas, a significant increase from 15% in 1900, marking urbanization as a major global process that has led to metropolization, defined as the concentration of command activities and populations in large cities.
- The world has experienced an urban explosion since 2007, with urban populations growing faster than the global population; projections suggest that by 2050, approximately 70% of the population will reside in cities, although this transition is uneven across regions.
- Urbanization is advanced in Northern countries and Latin America, while less developed countries (LDCs) show lower urbanization rates, such as 38% in sub-Saharan Africa, where urban growth is driven by rural exodus and high demographic growth.
- As of 2019, there are 570 urban areas with over one million inhabitants, including 30 megacities, primarily in Southern countries; Tokyo is the largest with 37 million residents, followed by New Delhi (29 million) and Shanghai (26 million), facing significant environmental challenges.
- The Gross Urban Product (GUP) indicates that some metropolises, like Tokyo, which produced $1,900 billion in 2017, generate more wealth than entire countries, highlighting the concentration of economic, cultural, and political functions in these urban centers.
- Megalopolises, such as the one between Boston and Washington, D.C., and the Tokyo-Osaka corridor, are formed by interconnected urban regions with advanced transport and communication networks, facilitating the flow of people, goods, and information.
- Many metropolises are incomplete, concentrating command functions in limited areas; for example, Ottawa serves as Canada’s political capital, while Toronto is its economic hub, illustrating the uneven distribution of urban functions.
- Urban sprawl and peri-urbanization are increasing, with residents often living further from city centers, leading to longer commute times; for instance, a Parisian resident averages over one hour of transport daily for less than 30 km, exacerbating socio-spatial inequalities and housing crises.
