Environmental Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
This chapter aims to present problems arising from the growth in importance of
cities in the context of dynamically occurring urbanization processes. The initial
concept of smart cities will be extended by examples of smart cities functioning
now and trying to combine a traditional urban infrastructure with technological
innovations. The summary will formulate recommendations for further research in
view of arising problems.
2 Urbanization Problems and the Process of Creating
Smart Cities
Cities play an essential role in the life of the majority of the society having impor-
tance to global social and economic development. According to data of the UN
over a half of the world population lives in cities and in 2050 this percentage will
increase by over 70 % (Fig.
1
). Almost the entire urban growth will be noticed
above all in emerging economies.
Leipzig Charter on Sustainable European Cities from May 2007 includes a
description of the role of cities. It indicates unique cultural and architectural val-
ues cities have as well as strong mechanisms of social integration and exceptional
possibilities of economic development. Cities constitute knowledge centers and
sources of growth and innovation. However attention must be paid to demographic
Fig. 1
The number of rural and urban population over the years 1950-2030 (
2013
)
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