Urbanization In Lima, Peru

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Urbanization in Lima, Peru Urbanization has been increasing worldwide, with the human population moving from a rural lifestyle to an urban lifestyle as individuals migrate from the farms to the cities (University of Michigan, 2002). In 2000, about 47 percent of the world’s population resided in urban areas, and that number was expected to increase to 60 percent by 2025 (University of Michigan, 2002). When urbanization occurs, large groups of people living in the cities create difficulties with the environment, as well as creating new or increasing the incidence of social issues. The environmental issues include capacity strains on education systems, health care systems, energy resources, transportation, physical security, and sanitation (University of Michigan, 2002). Moreover, “cities have become areas of massive sprawl, serious environmental problems, and widespread poverty (University of Michigan, 2002).” Within the nation of Peru, one of the larger areas in which urbanization has created such problems is Lima. According to the CIA World Fact Book, about 71 percent of Peru’s population lives in urban centers, with a 1.3 percent annual increase (2010). Urbanization in Peru is partially the result of deforestation in its rural areas due to logging and overgrazing of the slopes due to poor land management practices. The urbanization of Lima, Peru has resulted in polluted rivers and coastal waters from municipalities. As the 25th largest city in the world (University of Michigan, 2002), the city also is experiencing “increasing domestic [illicit] drug consumption (CIA, 2010).” The issues of urbanization, if not addressed, can impact the quality of life of individuals in Peru, as well as in border nations, and ultimately other nations dependent on fisheries in the waterways in and around Peru. References: Central Intelligence Agency (CIA). (2010). The

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