Urban environment - EEA SOER 2010 thematic assessment

The global population is congregating in our cities. Eighty per cent of the world’s estimated nine billion people in 2050 are expected to live in urban areas. Our cities and urban areas face many challenges from social to health to environmental. Climate change impacts pose a high challenge on cities. The proximity of people, businesses and services associated with the very word ‘city’ means that there are high vulnerabilities. However, well designed, well managed urban settings offer a key opportunity for adapting to climate change and a sustainable living.