Urbanisation
latest news & developments
Oxford study finds world’s highest heat-risk cities concentrated in Asia and Africa
Heat risk is about more than temperature. A new Oxford study of 205 cities found that poverty, limited infrastructure and lack of access to cooling are key factors driving urban…
Africa: The only continent in all four hemispheres; global role still undecided
Its cities are expected to absorb hundreds of millions of new residents in the coming decades, making urban governance, infrastructure planning and service delivery central to…
(Re)centre youths in city planning
Spatial barriers, which translate into transport and data costs, put financial strain on job-seekers
Food Security
With over 65% of South Africa’s population now living in cities, this shift has altered the landscape and dynamics of food security
Co-operating as distinct organisations within the built environment to support a shared strategy for sustainable development
It is vital for stakeholders to be involved in the discussion on the government’s medium-term priorities
Joburg’s rains are causing flooding and destroying homes
Heavy rains have submerged vehicles, trapped homeowners on roofs, collapsed walls, and decimated shacks and houses
Traditional African wisdom: A modern answer to protect coastal marine life?
Population growth and increased activity in coastal areas will negatively impact marine ecosystems unless we find sustainable solutions
OPINION| Africa’s urbanisation is an opportunity to create great cities
The combination of a population set to double by 2050 and the world’s fastest rate of urbanisation means African cities will face challenges of sustainable growth
Zoonotic viruses: Protect bats to protect people
Bats are potential carriers of zoonotic viruses and the destruction of their environment spells danger for humans.
Everyone — not just governments — must act to mitigate climate change
If we don’t engender an all-of-society approach, we run the risk of exposing our country, our cities and our people, often the most vulnerable among us, to the climate crisis
Endangered ‘Cape Flats’ micro frog finds a ‘sign of healthy ecosystem’
Only four populations of the micro frog, endemic to the wetlands near Bredasdorp, were known before this discovery
Save forests to protect us from future pandemics — Harvard scientists
Risk of next pandemic greater than ever, scientists say, but world can act
Covid compels a rethink on cities
Far from rendering major cities obsolete, the pandemic forced the mayor of Paris to quickly implement pedestrianisation as an urban design innovation. With thoughtful planning,…
Processed food has bad press, but it’s essential for nutrition security
In an ideal world we’d all eat farm fresh, organically grown food, but an ever-expanding global population amid rapid urbanisation needs nutritious food in sufficient quantities
Manage urban transformation to avoid infrastructure blockages
It is possible to urbanise without congestion and the attendant ills through emphasis on better institutions, writes Eddie Rakabe