define urbanisation
Urbanisation refers to the process by which an increasing proportion of a population comes to live in urban
areas. It involves the movement of people from rural areas to cities and towns in search of better economic
opportunities, education, healthcare, and other amenities.
Urbanisation typically involves the expansion of urban populations, the growth of urban areas, and the
transformation of rural landscapes into urbanized environments.
Urbanisation is often accompanied by industrialization and economic development.
define urban sprawl
Urban sprawl refers to the unplanned, uncontrolled, and often rapid expansion of urban areas into
surrounding rural or undeveloped areas. It is characterized by low-density development, leapfrogging
development patterns, and the spread of urban infrastructure over large geographic areas.
Urban sprawl often results in the inefficient use of land and resources, increased reliance on automobiles
for transportation, and the fragmentation of natural habitats.
It can lead to environmental degradation, loss of agricultural land, and social and economic inequalities.
In summary, while urbanisation refers to the process of population growth and movement towards urban
areas, urban sprawl specifically describes the physical expansion and development patterns of cities and
towns, particularly in relation to their surrounding landscapes. Urbanisation is a demographic
phenomenon, while urban sprawl is a spatial and land-use phenomenon.
how was Malta impacted by urbanisation?
Between 2000 and 2020, the board of the Planning Authority approved more than 9,000 permits for the demolition and the construction of urban dwellings. Most of these permits were for higher- rise buildings. Nearly 95% of people in Malta already live in urban areas. In Malta, construction and development have been rapidly driven by economic growth and an increase in population and inevitably, urbanisation. Both reasons have led to an increase in resource consumption and a rise in the production of construction waste. by nature, infrastructural development is not environmentally friendly, and the persisting call for sustainability within development planning legislation has become commonplace, more so because of Malta’s limitations of land and natural resources
how has urbanisation impacted malta environmentally
- Malta’s increasing urbanisation, together with the intensification of agricultural practices, have
accentuated the pressures on soil. Malta’s soil resources are important for the maintenance of ecosystem
health, as well as for agriculture and water management. The annual soil loss indicates that 19.3 % of Malta
is at risk of moderate to severe soil erosion. Malta’s aquifers are also impacted - biodiversity loss and water quality issues, urbanisation contributes to land degradation and
waste management challenges. The rapid expansion of built-up areas leads to soil erosion, habitat
fragmentation, and increased pollution from construction activities. Improper waste management
practices, driven by the consumption habits of urban populations, result in overflowing landfills and
pollution of land and water bodies. These issues not only degrade the aesthetic and environmental quality
of Malta’s landscape but also pose significant health risks to residents.
what are the actions done by Malta to combat the urban sprawl?
In Malta, where urban areas accommodate 95% of the population, challenges like habitat loss and water
scarcity are prominent. Green infrastructure offers solutions by integrating nature into urban landscapes.
In Malta, policies incorporate green infrastructure strategies, such as preserving rubble walls for
biodiversity and stormwater management.
values regarding urbanisation
The attitudes and values of society play a crucial role in shaping the trajectory of urbanisation and its impact
on the environment. In Malta, rapid urbanisation and demographic growth are often driven by values such
as economic development and consumerism. The pursuit of prosperity and material wealth often takes
precedence over environmental conservation, leading to unsustainable land-use practices and resource
exploitation. However, there is a growing recognition among the youth and environmental activists of the
need to adopt more sustainable lifestyles and advocate for policies that prioritize environmental protection
over short-term economic gains
