Promoting use of technology to tackle urban problems

Over half of the world’s population lives in urban areas. By 2050, that figure is expected to rise to 6.5 billion people – two-thirds of all humanity.

The Covid-19 pandemic has exacerbated the sustainability challenges facing urban areas. For instance, the use of masks and other disposable plastics has significantly increased urban plastic pollution and inappropriate waste management practices.

But rapid technological change opens new possibilities for innovatively addressing urban problems, at a lower cost and more sustainably. - UNCTAD