Why have cities increased in size in recent years? | 3 Reasons
IELTS Speaking Part 3 | Discussion Topics | Cities
Why have cities increased in size in recent years?
Cities are becoming increasingly populated due to a variety of factors. Globalization has led to an influx of people from different countries, cultures, and backgrounds in cities across the world. Globalization is causing a surge in diversity and population growth.
Additionally, technological advancements have made it easier for people to access resources, entertainment, job opportunities, and more in urban areas.
Other drivers include increasing affordability of housing options in some cities as well as environmental concerns that make living closer to city centers more desirable.
All these factors have resulted in the rapid growth of cities in recent years.
What are the challenges created by ever-growing cities?
As cities continue to grow, they are facing a variety of challenges. For example, an increased population brings an increased demand for resources such as water and energy, leading to greater stress on the environment.
Additionally, traffic can become congested, and air pollution can worsen when there is too much growth.
The availability of housing can also be affected by population surges, making affordability difficult in some areas.
Furthermore, a lack of infrastructure in overcrowded urban areas can lead to sanitation issues or inadequate access to healthcare services.
All these challenges need to be addressed if cities are to remain sustainable and livable in the future.
In what ways do you think cities of the future will be different to cities today?
One major difference could be the introduction of smart city technology, which includes technologies like artificial intelligence and the Internet of Things.
These technologies could enable cities to use data more effectively, better manage their limited resources, and respond quickly to changes in population or environmental conditions.
Many cities are also investing in green infrastructure projects, such as green energy sources and sustainable transportation systems, to reduce their carbon footprint and become more resilient.
Furthermore, there may be an increased focus on public health initiatives, with a greater emphasis on creating healthy communities for residents by promoting physical activity and access to nutritious food options.
Finally, cities of the future may prioritize social equity measures that provide all citizens with equal access to resources regardless of income level or other demographic factors.
All these things have the potential to create better-connected cities that promote a more inclusive, sustainable future.
As exciting as these potential changes may be, it’s important to remember that there are many challenges ahead on the path to creating future cities.
For example, large-scale projects can take years and involve numerous stakeholders, making progress difficult to track or measure.
Additionally, funding for such initiatives is often limited, meaning cities may have to get creative in how they finance their efforts.
Finally, not all citizens might embrace change with open arms; indeed, some people may fear it and resist such transformation even if doing so is beneficial in the long run.