The population of many cities is growing rapidly.
What are the effects of this growth on people living in these cities?
What can be done to maintain their quality of life?
Urban population is booming in many parts of the world these days. While the potential consequences may result in lower living standards, I believe that creating more green spaces in cities as well as building more facilities in rural areas would mitigate this issue.
It is not uncommon to see thousands of people moving to cities in search of a better life. This is largely a change for the worse as a large number of people mean the demand for more housing increases, making city streets and roads even more overcrowded. This would cause the price of accommodations to soar in urban areas, making it difficult to own a house almost impossible for those who are financially disadvantaged, or young families. A good case in point is Tashkent where a typical family must work for many years just to purchase a two-bedroom apartment thanks to an increased demand for housing.
Another downside can be linked with environmental damage. This is because the more people flow into cities, the more transport they require for frequent commuting, which means even more carbon dioxide is released into the air, contributing to air pollution and climate change. Breathing in such polluted air, children may develop respiratory illnesses such as asthma. Living in a densely populated and polluted city can ultimately contribute to an undesirable living experience for urban dwellers.
I, however, believe that creating more green spaces such as parks can help minimize this issue, since those places are considered to be the lungs of cities, providing social, mental and physical benefits. People, living in concrete jungles, can spend time in parks after a busy day at work or study, which will give them a chance to reconnect with nature, socialize with others, as well as do sports, all of which improve people’s living standards, and increase a sense of satisfaction they get while residing in crowded cities. For instance, research is clear that taking a simple walk in parks can reduce stress and improve blood circulation, leading to a better life.
One other approach to combat this problem involves investing in rural areas. Governments should target root causes of overcrowding which is lack of amenities in suburbs and countryside, because the majority of young people move to cities in pursuit of facilities and convenience. If more universities, shopping malls, and better infrastructure are built in rural areas, people would stay and enjoy their lives instead of moving to cities.
In conclusion, although an increase in urban population can compromise living conditions for city population, I am convinced that creating more parks and modernizing rural areas should be prioritized by governments in order to tackle this issue.
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