Final answer:
The incorrect statement about urban areas is that public transportation becomes less viable as density increases. In fact, higher urban density often leads to more efficient public transit systems. The other statements accurately describe urban areas, their resource needs, population trends, and employment characteristics.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement that incorrectly characterizes urban areas and populations is: 'As density increases in urban areas, public transportation becomes less viable'. In fact, as urban areas become more dense, public transportation systems typically become more efficient and are more heavily relied upon because they can reduce congestion and pollution, and are a practical solution for moving large numbers of people. On the other hand, the other statements provided are generally correct. Urban areas do tend to have a higher demand on resources and are responsible for the discharge of waste beyond their borders. It is also true that more people globally now live in urban areas than rural areas, and urban populations are usually characterized by higher density and nonagricultural jobs.
Taking into consideration factors such as urbanization, it's evident that worldwide trends show a migration towards urban living. In regions such as North America, a significant majority of the population resides in urban environments. Conversely, in regions like Africa, the rate of urbanization is lower, but is rising as economies develop. This transition presents numerous challenges, such as managing city growth, congestion, and the environmental impacts of urban sprawl, highlighting the stark contrast in urbanization levels based on economic status.
Ultimately, sustainable development and effective urban planning are essential to accommodate the increasing urban populations without depleting resources or causing environmental degradation. The mentioned challenges in places like India, where cities face issues such as traffic congestion and housing shortages, further enforce the need for comprehensive urban planning and infrastructure development.