How Singapore is a city built for a new generation of urbanites

One of the greatest global challenges for economists, social scientists, city planners, environmentalists, and governments is the burgeoning population boom in cities. Africa, Asia, Southeast Asia, and India in particular are expected to see massive urban population growth in the not too distant future: a UN report estimated that by 2050, two-thirds of the world’s population will live in cities, with 90% of the growth occurring in African and Asian countries. While the shift is already bringing environmental, economic, and cultural benefits, it also poses a major threat to the infrastructure of cities—which are already strained in many places as it is—and will place excessive demand on limited natural resources. Worst-case scenarios could include grave problems like housing shortages, air pollution, and traffic congestion.