Part of a new industry series: Inhabiting the Future™: Climate Risk Intelligence™ for Cities & Urban Infrastructure
An unprecedented speed of urbanization characterizes the 21st century. For the first time in history, over half of the world’s population now resides in cities, a number expected to reach nearly 70% by 2050, according to the United Nations. This change is uneven; most of the urban growth happens in low- and middle-income countries, especially in Asia and Africa, where cities are growing quickly in both size and population. Urban areas are becoming not only the economic centers of nations but also the main points for climate risk, resource use, and environmental effects.
Megacities, urban centers with populations exceeding 10 million, have increased, with over 30 existing today and more emerging each decade. Meanwhile, secondary and peri-urban areas are also experiencing significant growth, often without the infrastructure, governance capacity, or climate resilience planning needed to manage their expansion. Informal settlements and slums are spreading in many regions, further straining urban systems and worsening inequalities in access to clean water, sanitation, housing, and transportation.
This global trend is closely connected to the climate crisis. Cities concentrate risk and exposure, acting as hotspots for extreme heat, sea-level rise, flooding, air pollution, and infrastructure stress. As urban populations increase, so does their demand for energy, water, food, and land, leading to higher greenhouse gas emissions and ecological strain. However, urban areas also have significant potential for climate action, innovation, and adaptation. High-density development can promote low-carbon transportation, energy-efficient buildings, and economies of scale for sustainable infrastructure.
Understanding global urbanization trends is crucial for climate risk intelligence. It enables policymakers, planners, and private sector leaders to predict where future vulnerabilities might appear and to develop adaptive, equitable, and climate-resilient urban systems. In this rapidly urbanizing world, cities are not only the frontlines of climate impacts but also the testing grounds for creating a sustainable, livable future.
Ready to get started? To learn more about how ClimaTwin can help you assess the physical and financial impacts of future weather and climate extremes on your infrastructure assets, capital programs, and investment portfolios, please visit www.climatwin.com today.
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