The world’s population is set to reach 9.8 billion people by 2050 according to the United Nations, and urbanization rates have increased dramatically since 2000, with 68% of the global population expected to be living in urban environments 30 years from now. This trend looks even more pronounced in emerging markets, led by Asia, where the region leads globally with 30 mega-cities (populations of over 10 million) by 2025.
This dramatic increase in urbanization rates is creating unique challenges for the eco- environment, and sustainable development. With a population of 1.4 billion people and 113 cities with populations of over 1 million, China is already confronting the effects of mass urbanization and can be a leader in developing new urban models that balance eco-environmental protection and urban development.
We work to bridge the gap between leading academic research and theory targeting sustainable development and seek to help universities and organizations test new technology to actively solve real world problems.