The Metropolitan Century
Understanding Urbanisation and its Consequences
The report provides an outline of recent and likely future urbanisation trends and
discusses the consequences. The world is in the middle of an urbanisation process
that will cause urbanisation rates to rise from low double digit rates to more than
80% by the end of the century. It argues that this is both a great opportunity and
a great challenge, as decisions taken today will affect the lifes of people for a
long time to come. The report aims at explaining why cities exist, and what can make
them prosperous and function well. It also discusses whether cities are good for residents,
for the countries they are located in and for the global environment. The report argues
that cities exist and grow because they are a source of economic prosperity and offer
amenities that benefit their residents. It concludes that urbanisation is a process
that needs to be shaped by policy makers to ensure that all benefit from it.
Published on February 18, 2015