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Megatrend 

A Megatrend is a long-term driving force that is observable now and will continue to have a global impact in years to come

People in search of better opportunities - such as jobs, services and education - have been moving from rural to urban areas across the world, and this accelerating trend is projected to continue. The number of people living in cities has more than doubled over the last 40 years and is projected to reach 5 billion by 2050. The COVID-19 pandemic led to an acceleration of on-going transformations in cities such as micro-mobility, online shopping and the digitalisation of (health and government) services. However, it also exacerbated social inequalities. 

Urban concentration is linked to increased productivity (and 70% GDP), but it is also linked to challenges, such as environmental degradation, public health issues, housing problems and inequalities. Cities occupy approximately 2% of the total land, and are responsible for over 60% of energy consumption; they generate 70% of emissions, and 70% of global waste. Technologies are helping cities to better engage with citizens and address these challenges. Local governments are increasingly collaborating with communities and enabling platforms for them to gather and build local, ‘people-based’ solutions. 

This Megatrend is part of the Megatrends Hub