UW-Parkside News: Thursday Worldfest lecture examines urbanization

Thursday Worldfest lecture examines urbanization

Celebrate the world during Woldfest 2012!

By Kelsey Hoff

Dhaka.

Mumbai.

Johannesburg.

Nairobi.

There are enormous cities thousands of miles away from the University of Wisconsin-Parkside. They are home to millions of people living in conditions people in southeastern Wisconsin might find completely unbelievable.

UW-Parkside Economics Professor Farida Khan offers an eye-opening lecture Thursday, March 29, on rapid urbanization in developing countries. The program begins at 12:30 p.m. in the Student Center Oak Room.

"The audience may be interested in Third World cities because they probably meet many immigrants from those cities. They may also travel there. Globalization connects us to those cities in many ways that we are not aware of, through trade, call centers, etc.," said Professor Khan.

Immigration of the rural poor to third-world megacities is causing their populations to rise dramatically, and their environments to evolve in strange ways. Slums and modern construction remain separate but border each other closely in cities such as these. Close proximity of masses of the rich and the poor allows for unregulated and informal economic activity, like street vendors and domestic workers. Providing adequate infrastructure is a major challenge in these cities, contributing to substantial environmental pressure. This spreading phenomenon is large enough to effect the global environment.

"Given that the world is urbanizing rapidly, it is important for everyone to know why energy demand increases, global warming is likely to happen quickly, and why our sources of water are depleting," Professor Khan said.

This presentation is a reality check during the university's celebration of Worldfest. It provides those in attendance with information about real modern world conditions that differ greatly from their daily experience. Admission is free.

Thursday at Worldfest:

International Menu: A Taste of the World, 11 a.m.-2 p.m., Brickstone Grill & Eatery

Worldfest Lecture: "Urbanization in Developing Countries" with Economics Professor Farida Khan, 12:30 p.m., Student Center Oak Room

Worldfest Lecture: "Celebration Revolution: Music & Arts of the Arab Uprising," with Nat Godley, 2 p.m., Student Center Walnut Room

Worldfest Food Tutorial: Thai Curry Noodles, 5-6 p.m., Pike River Suites Kitchen
Worldfest Hip Hop Dance Workshop with UW-Parkside Chaos Dance team, 7 p.m., Molinaro D132

ABOUT THIS STORY:

Story Status: Archived
Publish date: 3/28/2012