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World Urban Population Surpasses Rural: A Brief Tribute to Cities |
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There’s no big countdown billboard or sign in Times Square to denote it, but Wednesday, May 23, 2007, represents a major demographic shift, according to scientists from North Carolina State University and the University of Georgia: For the first time in human history, the earth’s population will be more urban than rural.
Working with United Nations estimates that predict the world will be 51.3 percent urban by 2010, the researchers projected the May 23, 2007, transition day based on the average daily rural and urban population increases from 2005 to 2010. On that day, a predicted global urban population of 3,303,992,253 will exceed that of 3,303,866,404 rural people.
While I can appreciate the grandeur of nature, at heart I’m still enamored by cities. You just can’t beat the culture, excitement and opportunities that can be found only in large urban centers. The links and photos below are a quick tribute to cities. Feel free to leave your own links and photos in the comments.
The Rise of the Creative Class
Carfree Cities
U.S. Department of Energy: Clean Cities
Directory of City Websites
The Project for Public Spaces
Vital Cities: an interview with Jane Jacobs
Cyburbia: An Urban Planning Community
I’m an urbanite, no doubt about it.
Urbanization goes hand in hand with the spread of mass media, making it so urban culture isn’t just a city phenomenon, but one that everyone with access to tv, radio, or internet experiences. Therefore the city not only dominates the cultural realities of those who live in it but also shapes the cultural outlook of those who still live in rural areas.
Soylent green
I was raised in Hawaii where the downtown urban area is a pimple on the ass of this state.
Organically it’s the most beautiful place in the world.
At 18 I moved to Manhatten. I couldn’t soak up enough of the food and culture and art. It was the most beautiful grab bag of things to do that I’ve ever seen anywhere.
I would love to go back right now just for decent slice of pizza and some street food
Man, what I wouldn’t give for a new york slice of pizza and some roasted peanuts!
Don’t forget the music on the street !