Final answer:
The United Nations projects that by 2050, 68% of the world's population will be living in urban areas, highlighting the ongoing trend of urbanization globally.
Step-by-step explanation:
By 2050, it is expected that 68% of the world's population will live in urban areas, as projected by the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs, Population Division in 2018. This marks a significant increase from the 55% of the global population currently residing in urban settings, highlighting the dynamic shift towards urban living. With the most urbanized regions being North America, Latin America/the Caribbean, and Europe, this trend is somewhat less pronounced in regions such as Africa but is expected to grow substantially across the globe. One of the main challenges posed by this urban expansion, particularly in less developed countries, will be sustainable development, ensuring that this growth does not harm the natural environment.