Air
Pollution
Cars, factories and burning waste emit dangerous gases that change the
air quality in our cities and create health problems. Dangerous gases
like carbon dioxide and nitrogen oxides cause respiratory or breathing
diseases (e.g. bronchitis and asthma) and have negative effects on the
environment.
Water Pollution
With the increased population, it becomes difficult to manage the waste
generated in cities. Most of the waste is discharged or dumped into rivers
or onto the streets. The waste pollutes water and makes it unfit for human
consumption. Subsequently, it becomes more and more difficult for people
in cities to get clean water. Some cities in Africa are unable to provide
adequate water supply because most of the water is lost in pipe leakages.
In fact, most people in cities in developing countries are forced to boil
their water or to buy bottled water, which is very expensive.
Other problems created
by urbanization:
Development of slums.
Destruction of forests
and other nature reserves around cities for settlements and agriculture.
Increased poverty.
Increased crime. |
