| Abstract |
Nowadays, more than half of the world's population is living in cities, and by 2050 this percentage will rise up to 66%, according to the World Bank These dynamics will bring important changes in the size and role of cities. The fast-growing urbanization will lead to an increased level of water, energy and fuel consumption with a significant impact on biodiversity. Cities are also important contributors to climate change but in the same time they are also vulnerable to it - the newspapers are often presenting articles regarding strong storms, heavy rains, extreme temperatures that affected life in cities around the Globe. This is an effect of urban development. However, the increased level of human concentration brings benefits too: an increased demand for cultural activities, education, and mobility, which can lead to an increased access to jobs, longer life expectation and so on. Cities - no matter how small or big are they, are very dynamic. They rely on people and resources. The article intends to present the cities needs to meet the economic and social aspirations of their inhabitants by presenting both the literature perspectives as well as few case studies we have found in Romania and in the world. |