The Impact of Rapid Urbanization on Environmental Sustainability

Urbanization has been a key driver of global development, offering opportunities for economic growth, innovation, and social advancement. However, rapid urbanization also places immense pressure on environmental sustainability. As cities expand to accommodate increasing populations, they often struggle to balance economic growth with ecological preservation. Environmental degradation, characterized by pollution, deforestation, and inefficient waste management, is a direct consequence of unregulated or poorly managed urban expansion. This essay explores the environmental challenges posed by rapid urbanization, focusing on pollution, deforestation, and waste management. It will also examine examples of cities that are facing sustainability issues and those that have implemented successful practices, including a case study of New York City, one of the world's largest megacities.