Final answer:
By 2050, the United Nations estimates that 68% of the world's population will be living in urban areas, with sustainable development as a significant challenge for growing urban populations.
Step-by-step explanation:
According to the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs, Population Division report from 2018, it is estimated that by the year 2050, 68% of the world's population will live in urban areas. This projection aligns with the ongoing trend of urbanization that has seen a significant shift in population from rural to urban regions over the past century.
With the global urban population making up 55% as of now and the most urbanized regions including North America, Latin America/the Caribbean, and Europe, the wave of urbanization is set to continue driven by various factors such as industrialization, economic development, and the search for opportunities.
The phenomena of urbanization present both opportunities and challenges. For the developing regions, especially in less developed countries, one of the most significant challenges will be to ensure sustainable development as their urban areas expand, to prevent the depletion or damage to the natural environment. The focus on sustainable development is paramount to accommodate the growing urban populations in a way that maintains environmental integrity and ensures a quality standard of living.