Thesis Abstract

Urbanization is a global phenomenon that brings about both opportunities and challenges. This research project focuses on conducting a comparative analysis of the challenges faced by urban areas in different regions of the world. The aim is to identify commonalities and unique issues that urban areas encounter, with a specific focus on infrastructure, environment, social dynamics, and governance. The challenges of urban infrastructure include issues related to transportation, housing, and utilities. Different cities face varying degrees of congestion, inadequate housing supply, and insufficient access to basic services such as water and electricity. By comparing the infrastructure challenges across cities in different regions, this research aims to highlight best practices and innovative solutions that can be shared and implemented globally. Environmental issues in urban areas are a growing concern, with pollution, waste management, and climate change posing significant challenges. The comparative analysis will explore how cities are addressing these environmental challenges through policies, green initiatives, and sustainable practices. By examining successful strategies from diverse urban settings, this research seeks to promote knowledge sharing and collaboration in tackling environmental issues. Social dynamics play a crucial role in shaping urban challenges, including issues related to inequality, social cohesion, and cultural diversity. By comparing how different cities address social issues such as poverty, segregation, and discrimination, this research aims to identify effective social policies and community engagement strategies that can foster inclusivity and social well-being in urban areas. Governance is a key factor in addressing urban challenges, as effective leadership and decision-making processes are essential for sustainable urban development. The comparative analysis will evaluate governance structures, policies, and practices in different cities to understand how they influence the ability to respond to urban challenges. By identifying governance models that have been successful in overcoming obstacles, this research aims to provide insights for improving governance in urban areas worldwide. In conclusion, this research project will contribute to a better understanding of the challenges faced by urban areas globally and provide valuable insights for addressing these challenges through innovative solutions and collaborative efforts. By conducting a comparative analysis of urban issues, this research aims to promote knowledge exchange and facilitate the adoption of best practices to create more sustainable and resilient cities for the future.

Thesis Overview

INTRODUCTION

Hurricane Sandy has delivered another painful reminder that urban areas need to find new ways to confront the increasingly difficult task of flood preparation. A flood occurs “when water runoff from the land exceeds the capacity of the stream channel.

”Flood Risks Excepting the Inner Mountain West and Southern California, a map of vulnerable flood areas picks up almost all major urban areas in the United States.Flood Risks Between 1929 and 2003, urban floods in the United States caused an estimated $171 billion in property damage.Flood Risks Floods have caused the most losses of any natural disaster in the United States.5 Billions of dollars have been invested in flood prevention structures.

But, as “first responders” in the battle to prevent and respond to flood damage, local governments will see urban flood damages rise for four primary reasons. First, federal flood control policy over eighty years has created the illusion that infrastructure and post-disaster relief can provide maximum protection from flood damages. Second, more cost-effective avoidance strategies, such asless intensive flood plain development and restoration, have been undermined by the federal flood insurance program, which has encouraged intense development in river and coastal flood plains instead of redirecting it to less vulnerable areas.

Third, global climate change is projected to produce more intense flood and coastal storm surge events. Fourth, damage prevention responsibility is being de facto devolved to local governments as the federal government and the states, with notable exceptions, are investing less of the scant, available dollars in flood infrastructure construction.Flood Risks