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Asia is home to seven of the ten most populous cities globally, with urban centers like Tokyo, Delhi, Shanghai, and Dhaka leading the way. These metropolises have historically represented growth and opportunity, but they now face challenges that could reverse economic progress.
A recent report from the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) highlights the urgent need for inclusive action. It warns that ongoing pressures could exacerbate inequality, stretch public services thin, and intensify social and environmental conflicts.
In light of this, Armida Salsiah Alisjahbana, the Executive Secretary of ESCAP, advocates for a transformative urban model that emphasizes equity and resilience. She remarked, “The road to the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development runs through cities and encompasses all human settlements,” underscoring the necessity for immediate and inclusive measures.
Skyrocketing Temperatures
The ongoing climate crisis is increasingly straining many Asian cities. In 2024, unprecedented temperatures affected regions from Dhaka and Delhi to Phnom Penh and Manila, putting a significant strain on infrastructure and healthcare systems.
The phenomenon known as the “urban heat island effect” exacerbates these challenges, causing urban areas to experience higher temperatures than their rural counterparts, which particularly affects vulnerable populations, including the elderly and those in densely populated informal settlements.
Data indicates that nearly half of all global heat-related fatalities between 2000 and 2019 occurred in Asia and the Pacific, and as temperatures rise and green spaces diminish, the risks continue to escalate.
In response to these climate extremes, some cities are taking proactive measures. For instance, Shanghai’s Pudong New District has implemented a comprehensive flood forecasting and early warning system that spans over 1,200 square kilometers. This system, which integrates weather forecasts with hydrological data, allows for rapid flood simulations, providing local authorities with crucial time to mitigate potential disasters.
Rapidly Ageing Populations
Alongside climate challenges, Asia is facing a significant demographic transformation. Projections indicate that by 2050, the population of older individuals in Asia and the Pacific could reach 1.3 billion, nearly doubling the figures reported in 2024.
As birth rates decline and rural-to-urban migration slows, many cities are not only aging but, in some areas, experiencing population declines. This trend is particularly evident in East Asia, where “shrinking cities” are beginning to emerge after years of growth.
This demographic shift creates substantial challenges for urban planners, who must adapt infrastructure, healthcare, and public services to better serve an increasingly older population, many of whom live independently. Unfortunately, numerous cities remain inadequately prepared for this transition.
Expanding Informal Settlements
Another pressing issue is the burgeoning number of informal settlements and slums. Soaring housing costs coupled with stagnant wages have forced millions into these unregulated neighborhoods, which typically bear the brunt of climate-related threats and are the last to benefit from basic services such as sanitation and emergency aid.
As noted in the ESCAP report, “When housing is treated as a commodity rather than a basic necessity, it creates systemic risks for urban economies, which can ultimately impact national and global economic stability.”
Turn Risks into Opportunities
Despite these daunting challenges, ESCAP emphasizes the critical role that cities can play in fostering Asia’s sustainable future. The report advocates for integrated urban planning, enhanced local data systems, and diversified financing mechanisms to bolster resilience, equity, and sustainable growth in urban areas.
Moreover, it stresses the importance of regional collaboration and networking among cities to share effective solutions. This week, ministers and high-ranking officials are set to discuss these recommendations, alongside other key sustainable development issues, at the 81st session of the Commission in Bangkok.
Source
news.un.org