Question

In São Paulo, Brazil, for instance, planners are struggling to cope with a drainage system that was built when the city was a fraction of its current size. Poor maintenance has left much of it clogged, while forest and parkland have given way to haphazard housing in many areas of the world's third-largest city. Now there are fewer green areas to soak up incessant rains.

Answer 1

Rapid urban expansion in São Paulo and other cities leads to infrastructure challenges like water pollution and inadequate drainage, growth of informal settlements, and strained public services.

Step-by-step explanation:

The urban expansion in São Paulo and other major cities across Middle and South America faces numerous challenges due to rapid population growth. These include inadequate infrastructure, such as outdated drainage systems, and a lack of basic public services, leading to problems like water pollution, traffic congestion, and health issues. Cities like São Paulo are now experiencing fewer green areas to absorb heavy rainfall, increased urban sprawl with the growth of informal settlements or favelas, and significant stresses on their water supply infrastructure.

These rapid urbanization trends result in isolated communities with higher crime rates and gang activities. Additionally, substantial water losses through leakage and the over-extraction of groundwater have induced structural damage to buildings and infrastructure. Coupled with poverty and social inequality, these urban centers are strained, trying to provide adequate living conditions while balancing growth and environmental sustainability.