Environmental Issues

Considerable discourse has been opened on the various effects of human migration from one place to another, especially by the turn of the 21st century where development has been rapid and widespread. The term urbanization in particular already denotes significant change made in a geographic location over the course of time, turning rural areas into cities, and involving not only an increase in population and diversity in demographics, but requiring more resources to be provided by communities and the State. Thus a concentration of people, material resources and opportunities is what primarily characterizes an urbanized area. This is accompanied by changes in lifestyle, activities and atmosphere, followed by the development of specialized infrastructure to accommodate the increasing population and businesses associated with growth.
That is probably one positive note about this phenomenon of urbanization  growth. And this is seen by many to be feature of a relatively advanced society aiming to provide better ways of living. But many have also pointed out urbanizations disadvantages, that could nevertheless be avoided given proper measures. Such ideals, however, are not given immediate priority and effects would only be noticeable once the urbanization of a formerly rural area has reached its peak. As already mentioned, resources to enable such rapid and extensive change are required, and these particularly and often include utilizing  and many times even abusing  available environmental assets.

This is further aggravated by a subsequent phenomenon characterized by an outward expansion of existing urban zones or city-regions, and supporting literature comprise of case studies of urban settlements 1, looking at spatial and comparative global transformations. Monitoring of its environmental effects is much called-for, especially if there are valuable living ecosystems present and affected. One example of a disturbed ecosystem is the Everglades subtropical wetlands in southern Florida which provide the areas water supply. Its restoration is now in the works after realization of the areas potential to be an economic and environmental asset.

REVIEW
Ecological zones and ecosystems make up the collective natural environment. They differ in diversity and dominant form and level of resources 1. Agricultural activities and wastewater inputs, which participate in the dynamics of urbanization, have severe consequences on original functions and structures of ecological zones, especially on streams and aquatic macroinvertebrates 2. Human activities apparently cause changes in nutrient loads and natural traits of such systems, and are damaging to life forms.

The most threatening activity, however, is watershed urbanization, since it involves runoffs, clear cuts and the digging of canals 2, that devastate streams nutrients and richness. Domestic and toxic wastewater can also reach ecosystems that can even lead to permanent, unalterable damage.

Patterns of human settlement also affect certain types of environmental zones than others and bring more harm and imbalance. Coastal zones and inland water ecosystems are being urbanized more than mountain and terrainous communities 1. This is because coast lines are more economically viable than forests. They facilitate not only means for transportation, livelihood but also developments for leisure.

A major challenge for rapid urbanization in Asia and Africa where there more developing countries is to be able to settle plans and projects on urban infrastructure, sanitation and water systems and appropriate housing 1  any lack of which is detrimental to the environment.

Inward expansion, as mentioned in the Overview of this paper, is considered by Wolch 3 to be a mistaken predicament for major American cities. In her review on Sprawl by Robert Bruegmann, she criticizes the books arguments defending urban development. Although Bruegmann identifies problems associated with urbanization including pollution, human-health risk, habitat loss and species endangerment, it has to be addressed by collective human efforts, guided by the wisdom of social and natural sciences 3.

REMARKS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
It is also important to note how such dramatic changes transforming provincial communities into metropolitan areas can be reconciled with regulations on the use of environmental resources to preserve them for future generations.

An example of such an effect is population growth, which is seen by many as a world problem that has to be immediately addressed through biological means. However, this is also a consequence and efficient characteristic of integral human development, which should be fostered and not hampered. The environmental effects of such a growth then should be regulated and addressed by policy, such as by distribution of population or an increase in infrastructure projects (such as means of transportation), which should result in less congested residential zones and business opportunities outside areas of concentration.
Many could call this a compromise, but it is also natural for societies to expand and develop that urbanization cannot be avoided. The environment, too, on the other hand, has to be seen as universal priorities and objects of protection through appropriate policies. There is no reason why one has to be ceased even if it is not for the common good.