***Read the following passage about urbanization and mark the letter A, B, C, or D on your answer sheet to indicate the best answer to each of the following questions from 23 to 30.* **
Urbanization is one of the most significant social and economic changes in the modern era. Over half of the world’s population now lives in urban areas, and that figure is expected to rise to nearly 70% by 2050. This shift from rural to urban living is driven by the promise of better opportunities, including access to education, healthcare, and employment. However, urbanization also creates challenges such as housing shortages, traffic congestion, and environmental pollution.
One of the key issues associated with urbanization is the development of slums. In rapidly growing cities, the demand for affordable housing often exceeds supply, forcing many low-income residents to live in substandard conditions. They often face overcrowding and limited access to essential services, as slums are typically overcrowded, lack basic services like clean water and sanitation, and are highly vulnerable to natural disasters.
Urbanization also has significant environmental impacts. The expansion of cities often leads to deforestation, loss of agricultural land, and increased carbon emissions. Moreover, urban areas generate large amounts of waste, which can overwhelm local disposal systems and contaminate water supplies.
Many cities are finding innovative ways to make urbanization more sustainable. Green architecture, such as buildings with solar panels and rooftop gardens, helps reduce energy consumption and improve air quality. Public transportation systems are being expanded to reduce traffic congestion and promote eco-friendly travel. In addition, smart city technologies are being adopted to manage resources more efficiently and improve the quality of urban life.