Poornima Jayaraj, Senior Researcher – Environment and Climate Action

Introduction: Setting the Context

For much of human history, the natural environment was an ever-present force shaping daily life. People lived in close connection with its rhythms and patterns, adapting to seasonal cycles and the landscapes around them. Over time, industrialisation and urbanisation transformed these organic systems into human-made environments, from compact villages to sprawling cities. Today, for many, nature is no longer experienced in its wild form but as curated fragments within the built environment.

Globally, urban land consumption is growing at a rate up to 50% faster than population growth, and by 2030, an additional 1.2 million km² of urban built-up area is expected to emerge worldwide.