Introduction
In spite of the contribution of urbanization to the economic growth in Zhejiang, its adverse effects far much outweigh the positives since sustainability of the ecosystem and the society is at stake. Environmental concerns, particularly air pollution, are real threats to the ecosystem since they lead to increased atmospheric temperatures which in turn result in climate changes. Urbanization contributes to pollution through higher energy consumption and motorization that have resulted in higher volumes of greenhouse gasses emitted in the air. The shrinking of natural resources is another consequence of urbanization where there is the rampant destruction of natural habitats, overexploitation of natural resources and poor water quality from industrial effluents which in turn cause the loss of aquatic lives and health problems for millions of urban dwellers. Social problems including poor public health, limited access to public facilities and crime are also attributed to urbanization. The paper addresses the claim that urbanization has negative impacts on the sustainability and stability of the society.
The rapid expansion of urban areas has led to increased air, water and land pollution thereby posing major environmental concerns among them climate change. The federal government and the local policy makers are unable to prevent the effects of urbanization since the primary goals for them include seeing the economy of Zhejiang grow. The implication of failure by the relevant stakeholders to take preventative measures is that there is increased energy consumption both at industrial and household levels; air pollution from public transportation is growing hence contributing more to global warming. The rising numbers of factories in Zhejiang are responsible for air and water pollution such that both human and aquatic lives are at the risk posed by chemicals effluents finding their ways into water and air. However, the primary challenge so far is air pollution as evidenced by the global concerns on the fact that rise in atmospheric temperatures caused by the emission of greenhouse gasses has long-term harmful effects on the ecosystem. The effects of global warming continue to be felt not only in China but most parts of the world with the consequences being catastrophic events that have claimed thousands of lives and adversely changed the ecosystem. As argued by Yang et al. (1), 24 % of the warming in China is attributed to rising in atmospheric temperatures that cause the Urban Heat Island effect. The consequences of warming are felt through frequent flooding as a result of the rise in sea levels thereby disrupting major socio-economic activities across China.
Since East China still feels the need to enhance its Gross Domestic Product by establishing more industries to create jobs for growing populations, it is unlikely that promote measures will be taken to curb air pollution (Yang, 7047). Zhejiang is among the cities that have over the years have grown their GDPs by expanding its industries, construction projects and transportation sector. Due to its rapid urbanization, Zhejiang is among the cities that are largely contributing to climate change due to high volumes of greenhouse gasses emitted in the air.
Consumption of energy for electricity and heating in households, commercial settings, and industries has increased in the recent decades thereby contributing to rising in atmospheric temperatures. Zhejiang City has therefore become warmer than rural areas, and while the majority of the population currently live or desire to live in urban areas, it means that millions of people are exposed to social and economic effects of air pollution. Poor visibility in Zhejiang province is attributed to air pollution which has adversely affected air travels in the region. Urban consumption of coal is very high in the city compared to the rural areas which have contributed to heat islands. The consequences of the heat island are that there are changes in the local weather patterns. The heat islands are traps for air pollutants that have led to the occurrence of cloudiness and fog at a higher frequency. Precipitation in the urban China is also at 10 % higher than in the rural areas. The implication of higher precipitation is that there are frequent thunderstorms and hailstorms which disrupt the normal operations of the society.
The fact that urbanization contributes to loss of natural vegetation implies that there is reduced infiltration of water such that increased floods have led to water pollution downstream. The health effects of air pollution are also felt where there are increased incidences of respiratory infections. Competition for space has led to more congestion hence limited fresh air to breathe which then exposes many citizens to asthmatic problems. Moreover, there is the concern of extreme temperatures causing migration of disease-bearing insects such as mosquitoes hence leading to higher incidences of malaria and dengue fever that continue to claim many human lives.
There is a great need to address and take collective and proactive actions to prevent pollution. It is appropriate to clean up the waters in Zhejiang as well as find ways to curb air and land pollution. Healthy urban governance is critical in making progress since local governments have to let environmental response supersede GDP growth. Evidence on pollution effects of urbanization is, therefore, key in influencing public and private partnerships in coming up with sound measures to reduce the emission of carbon gasses, soot, and dust as well as protecting water from contamination with heavy metals that lead to chronic health issues.
Urbanization and the shrinking of natural resources
Urbanization threatens the whole world’s biodiversity and natural resources which then leads to extinction of plants and animals. Roads, skyscrapers, noise and pollution all endanger the wildlife species. While there are fewer proactive measures on improving urban planning, it is evident that China will lose some of its natural resources for good. As cities expand, natural habitats are destroyed or fragmented in such a way that they are unable to support the species in the ecosystem. Natural resources become swallowed by the urban areas thereby nations lose the beauty of nature it once had. The growth of cities and the rise of human population implies that there is much pressure on the existing resources to sustain the lives the society such that there is an increasing demand for products such as timber and fossil fuels. Wetlands, forests, and agricultural lands are lost in the process of urban development with implications being higher food imports for nations whose land cannot produce enough food. Natural areas with the highest concentration of unique natural resources in the world are among the worst affected by urbanization since they are unable to cope with the expansion of cities without interventions by various conservation stakeholders.
The effects of urbanization have led to the endangering of both plant and animal species with a higher number of such species expected to grow as the rapid urbanization trend continues. With China being a key hub for many animal and plant species, it is evident that the establishment of cities near protected areas leads to natural resource extraction. Urbanization is also responsible for the fires that have threatened natural resources with the loss of agricultural land being the most common. Industrial and household effluents that find their way into water bodies have also contributed to the deterioration of water quality hence interfering with the health of freshwater systems. Polluted water wipes away many aquatic species, and the fact that China is a major exporter of fish implies that the effects of urbanization will eventually lower its economic growth ambitions. Urban areas now cover much of the national parks’ land and hence decreasing the number of wild animals in such areas.
Evidence from various sources, therefore, proves that natural resources are under extreme pressure from an increase in human population and higher rates of urbanization not only in China but also in other parts of the globe. Drastic changes in land use, destruction of natural ecosystems and an increase in demand for natural resources used for manufacturing activities have led to the destruction of biodiversity. High demand for timber products has contributed to low infiltration rates as well as the elimination of forest cover that is extremely necessary for air purification. Limited infiltration rates lead to huge run off in the case of flooding where effluents are washed downstream into water bodies. The implication of water pollution is that large numbers of aquatic species die thereby interfering with the sustainability of the ecosystem. Moreover, higher demand for timber products has contributed to the destruction of habitats such that animal and plant species find it hard to survive.
Increasing demand for fossil fuel for electricity and heating contributes to large volumes of carbon gasses emitted into the atmosphere which in turn makes environment uncomfortable for birds. Urbanization has also contributed to the depletion of the main natural reserves such as destruction of soil quality which then puts the lives of millions of people in danger due to the looming extreme hunger cases.
Urbanization is occurring at a very fast rate which exposes the ecosystem to dangers of natural resources depletion and extinction of plants and animal species. The fact that sustainability of the ecosystem is jeopardized by the ambitious plans adopted by federal and local governments to expand their urban areas means that it is important to address the adverse effects of urbanization. It is imperative that the lives of current and future generations are protected by adopting alternative modes of production and influencing billions to change their unethical consumption trends. Moreover, it is important that biodiversity is protected by having appropriate planning of urban areas to avoid destruction of habitats of wild animals and plants.
Urbanization and its contribution to social problems
Urbanization changes social processes whereby the role of the family, demographic trends, and the choice individuals make substantially differ from those in the rural areas. Urbanization contributes to social problems with major ones being difficult to access to essential services such as education, public health services as well as high rates of crimes. Also, there are issues of traffic congestions and loss of open space and parks that limit the development of social amenities such as amusement parks. Urbanization has largely contributed to the increased number of slums due to the high number of people moving from rural to urban areas in search for better opportunities. While cities are constrained in supporting the large populations, millions of the migrants find themselves in neighborhoods that are characterized by high rate of crimes, poor schools and dilapidated social infrastructure that diminishes their wellbeing. The major issue with the migration of people from rural to urban China is the rate at which urban villages are emerging. Populations in the urban villages live under poor conditions with low access to health care and other essential amenities. The implications of low access to health care are that Zhejiang since it is one of the fastest growing regions in China is likely to suffer from both short term and long term health problems. The fact that there are high rates of pollution in the urban areas also exposes millions to health risks with urban heat island being a major issue in Zhejiang. The social effects of urbanization could, therefore, be termed as ‘humanitarian nightmare’ where the people strive to cope with various problems in the society.
Urbanization interferes with family arrangements where there is a proliferation of non-traditional forms due to new types of households. Living arrangements in the past were based on the fact that there were at least two parents in the home with one or more children. However, with urbanization, there are increasing incidences of divorce, and lower marriage rates since many prefer having alternative lifestyles different from the traditional practices. There are also violent clashes in East China generated by the problems of replacing farmlands with commercial and industrial activities. Such violence implies that many people have worries about the future and that the government has to protect millions of Chinese nationals from losing their lands. With local authorities focusing more on land sales as a way of financing local investments, it is clear that urbanization is a process that deprives farmers of their right to carry on with their agricultural practices. Local governments have driven farmers into buildings while grabbing their lands for development purposes. While job opportunities are becoming less in China, many farmers are unwilling to leave their land while others are worried that they cannot stay in employment for long and would need their farm lands in their old age. The fact that the government is reluctant to implement effective national pension plans means that urbanization is poised to create social instability in Zhejiang. The consequences of urbanization are therefore adverse if in case it fails to maintain stability in the society. Zhejiang province is among the regions that have shifted from infectious to chronic diseases within a short time. Chronic illnesses are major public health problems since they cause deaths as well as increase the burden of diseases in China. Moreover, urban dwellers have different consumption trends compared to those in the rural areas such that the former are exposed to risky behaviors including alcohol drinking, smoking and less physical activities. The proportion of mortality in urban Zhejiang is, therefore, higher and thereby proving the destructive effects of urbanization.
Urbanization in Zhejiang, therefore, raises significant concerns regarding its impact on the lives of millions of people moving from rural areas. The primary concern is the way farmers lose their farmlands with worries on how they will survive in their retirement. Public health is also a major social concern with chronic illnesses such as cardiovascular problems becoming common in China. The implication of increased chronic diseases is that mortality rates rise hence limiting the sustainability of future generations. The poor living condition for millions living in the urban sprawls is also a potential social concern since poor neighborhoods are characterized by dilapidated schools, inadequate social infrastructure and little job opportunities that expose society to risky behaviors such as crime, smoking, and drinking. The changing family arrangements also limit cohesion in the society since urbanization creates some form of individualism hence shifting away from the traditional values where family ties and living arrangements were meant to enhance collectivism in the society.
The significance of addressing social problems arising from urbanization is that it creates a platform where stability and sustainability of the community becomes a major concern for stakeholders. It is imperative to understand that urbanization creates situations where human welfare is sacrificed when farmlands are taken from farmers as well as when people have no option but to live in urban sprawls. While the national and local governments are reluctant in slowing down the pace of urbanization, it is important that they understand the long-term consequences of their decisions on the welfare of the society.
Acknowledgement/ Response
Urbanization in Zhejiang is critical in making it economically sustainable as well as enhancing a centralized population. The mass migration of people from rural areas is a plus since it implies a rise in household per capita income which is key to economic growth. Additionally, urbanization increases consumption of locally manufactured goods thereby improving commercial activities in Zhejiang. There are also arguments on the fact that urbanization has contributed to the efficient distribution of public resources such as power supply and fresh water. Life in the urban areas is therefore considered more comfortable than in the countryside. However, the fact remains that urbanization has several adverse effects that have to be addressed through proactive measures. While many farmers are forced to move to the rural areas due to local government policies on land development, many of them still end up being casual laborers who live in urban sprawls that are poor regarding access to public amenities. Poor living conditions expose millions to adverse health conditions thereby contributing to higher mortality in urban areas. Moreover, patrols in the slums are not a priority for police officers hence exposing such areas to high rates of criminal activities.
Environmental concerns such as extreme temperatures from air pollution raise global concerns with China being among the nations that have contributed largely to global warming. Destruction of habitats and over-exploitation of natural resources is also a concern since such activities disrupt sustainability of the ecosystem. Lastly, urbanization is a leading cause of social instability and interference with the sustainability of the ecosystem through climate change hence local governments in Zhejiang should consider policies regarding urban planning that focus on sustainable urbanization. Interventions should not be left in the hands of national and local authorities alone, it is imperative that private stakeholders such as researchers, NGOs, higher learning institutions, the public and civil activists be given the platform to engage the government in collective and proactive interventions to protect the ecosystem as well as the society from adverse consequences of urbanization.
Conclusion
In spite of urbanization contributing to economic growth in Zhejiang, its adverse effects overweigh the positives since sustainability of the ecosystem and stability of society is jeopardized. Addressing environmental and social concerns that arise from urbanization is important in creating sustainable future devoid of the current chronic illnesses, destruction of natural habitats, poor urban sprawls, and death of aquatic species from polluted water. It is also through joint action by the public and private sectors that the menace of global warming could be avoided so as to protect billions from damaging effects of climate change. While the government ambitions could be solely on establishing China’s superiority regarding GDP, it is imperative to understand that slowing down the pace of urbanization as well as having appropriate urban planning could help prevent current and future problems associated with urbanization.
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