Today 50 % of the world population lives
in urban centers by 2030 this is expected to increase to
60%. The majority of the largest cities, known as Mega Cities
are in developing countries while 90% of the population
growth of developing countries will be urban in nature.
Migration from rural to
urban areas is often trigged by repeated natural disasters
and lack of livelihood opportunities. However, at the same
time many mega-cities are built in areas where there is
a heightened risk for earthquakes, floods, landslides and
other natural disasters.
Many people living in large
urban centres such as slums lack access to improved water,
sanitation, security of tenure, durability of housing, and
sufficient living area. This lack of access to basic services
and livelihood leads to increasing risk of discrimination,
social exclusion and ultimately violence.
