Los Angeles Times (June 19)Los Angeles Times (June 19)
“The largest population shift in human history” is taking place. Every month over 5 million people leave the countryside for cities in Asia, Africa and the Middle East. By 2050, an additional 3.1 billion people are expected to live in cities. In 1950, 70% of the world’s population lived in rural areas. By 2050, 70% will live in urban areas. This massive migration offers both opportunity and danger. It is one of the forces behind “revolutions in the Arab world” and other current events. “Never in human history have so many people changed their locations and lifestyles so quickly,” yet this trend remains little noticed and misunderstood.“The largest population shift in human history” is taking place. Every month over 5 million people leave the countryside for cities in Asia, Africa and the Middle East. By 2050, an additional 3.1 billion people are expected to live in cities. In 1950, 70% of the world’s population lived in rural areas. By 2050, 70% will live in urban areas. This massive migration offers both opportunity and danger. It is one of the forces behind “revolutions in the Arab world” and other current events. “Never in human history have so many people changed their locations and lifestyles so quickly,” yet this trend remains little noticed and misunderstood.
Tags: Cities, Revolution, Urban migration
