Road to Urbanization

Of the world’s 100 largest cities, more than a quarter are in China. In 1980, about 20% of the population lived in a city, by 2020 that had risen to more than 60%. 

Rapid urbanization has seen improved transport links and housing giving millions of people access to better healthcare, education and jobs. Poverty rates have fallen sharply, while at the same time the economy has boomed. 

So, what lessons can be learned from that? And how can the benefits of urbanization be balanced with inevitable environmental consequences?

In this episode, Juliet Mann speaks to Chris Hamnett, Professor of Geography at Kings College London, Dr Yan Song, the Director of North Carolina University’s Program on Chinese Cities and world-renowned urbanization expert, Alain Bertaud.