Many urban areas in developing countries are currently experiencing very high rates of economic and demographic growth. The vast majority live in poverty and are particularly susceptible to a wide range of natural and human-caused hazards.  

i) Explain the growth of most cities in developing countries in relation to the high level of migration from rural areas to urban areas. 

ii) Explain why the poor are particularly vulnerable to these hazards. Be specific. iii) What strategies can be followed to improve the standard of living of the urban poor?  

Possible Sources –  

Bartone, C. 1991. Environmental challenge in third world cities. Journal of the American Planning Association. 57(4):411-415. 

Cohen, M. 1993. Megacities and the environment. Finance and Development, 30(2):44-47. 

Ezcurra, E., Mazari-Hiriart, M., Major, D., Brimblecombe, P. & Cohen, M. 1996. Are megacities viable? A cautionary tale from Mexico City. Environment, 38(1): 4. 

McMichael, A.J. 2000.The urban environment and health in a world of increasing globalization: issues for developing countries. Bulletin of the World Health Organization, 78 (9). 

Melchert, L. 2005. The age of environmental impasse? Globalization and environmental transformation of metropolitan cities. Development and Change, 36: 803. 

Satterthwaite, D. 1997. Environmental transformations in cities as they get larger, wealthier and better managed. The Geographical Journal, 163(2): 216-224.