英媒：全球八成“城里人”，未来城市需更宜居

Core Insights - The United Nations report indicates that over 80% of the global population now lives in urban areas, a significant increase from 55% in 2018, highlighting the importance of sustainable urban environments for health and the planet [1][2] Group 1: Urbanization Statistics - The report establishes new criteria for defining urban areas, requiring a minimum population of 50,000 and a density of at least 1,500 people per square kilometer [1] - Current estimates show that 45% of the global population lives in cities, with 36% in towns, leading to a total of 81% urban residents [2] - Projections suggest that by 2050, 83% of the global population will reside in urban areas, with rural populations peaking in the 2040s before declining [2] Group 2: Drivers of Urbanization - Urbanization drivers vary by region: in East and South Asia, it is primarily due to rural-to-urban migration for education and job opportunities; in Europe and North America, international migration plays a larger role; while in sub-Saharan Africa, higher birth rates in cities contribute to growth [2] Group 3: Environmental and Health Impacts - Urban expansion can lead to increased carbon emissions if public transport is poorly planned, while effective planning can result in more energy-efficient transportation systems [3] - Urban residents face health risks from air pollution and extreme temperatures, but cities also provide better access to healthcare and social opportunities [3] - The report emphasizes the need to enhance urban livability through increased green spaces to improve health outcomes [3]