URBAN POVERTY AND NATURAL DISASTER

The lecture examines urban poverty and natural disasters emphasizing rapid urbanization in developing countries and the expansion of slums. Since 1950 cities have absorbed most global population growth with future expansion concentrated in developing nations. Lacking infrastructure mega-cities and slums face heightened risks from floods landslides and fires. Driven by rural poverty rather than job opportunities overurbanization leads to economic stagnation. The lecture reframes natural disasters as partly man-made highlighting urban vulnerability as seen in the 2010 Haiti earthquake where poor infrastructure worsened the crisis. It underscores the urgent need for improved infrastructure and disaster preparedness in expanding urban areas.,

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