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Impact of Squatter Settlements in Global South

The document discusses the proliferation of squatter settlements and urban slums, particularly in the Global South, highlighting their severe consequences such as environmental degradation, health risks, and social inequalities. These settlements often lead to pollution, natural disasters, and increased social tensions due to overcrowding and lack of sanitation. The overall impact of these settlements is profound, as they face ongoing challenges and societal backlash.

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18 views2 pages

Impact of Squatter Settlements in Global South

The document discusses the proliferation of squatter settlements and urban slums, particularly in the Global South, highlighting their severe consequences such as environmental degradation, health risks, and social inequalities. These settlements often lead to pollution, natural disasters, and increased social tensions due to overcrowding and lack of sanitation. The overall impact of these settlements is profound, as they face ongoing challenges and societal backlash.

Uploaded by

stanleyawong
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Stanley WOng

4/4/25
Section 22 Activity
Ms. Fos

Across the globe, but with particular intensity in the Global South, the proliferation of
squatter settlements and urban slums unleashes a torrent of interconnected problems. Think
about it: when people are forced to live in overcrowded, makeshift dwellings without basic
sanitation, clean water, or secure tenure, the consequences ripple outwards. Squatter settlements
and urban slums developed across the world leading to a cascade of severe consequences such as
environmental degradation, health risks, and social inequalities.
​ Squatter settlements have developed worldwide. The consequences that the squatter
settlements in the Global South especially, had lots of consequences like environmental
degradation. Think about how these unplanned communities impact the land and resources
around them. Often built on marginal or environmentally sensitive land – steep slopes prone to
landslides, floodplains vulnerable to inundation, or even encroaching on forests – these
settlements can lead to deforestation, soil erosion, and increased risk of natural disasters. The
lack of proper waste management and sanitation infrastructure in many squatter settlements
further pushes environmental problems, leading to pollution of water sources and the spread of
disease. Industrial activities, if present, within or near these settlements often operate without
environmental regulations, contributing to air and water contamination. It's a tough cycle, where
poverty and lack of access to resources force people into precarious living situations that, in turn,
degrade the environment they depend on.
Another consequence that the squatter settlements and slum development cause is health
risks and social inequalities. The close proximity houses that they built and almost no thought
about the sanitation and cleanliness of the area can cause lots of health hazards to the people.
Social inequalities are also prominent in these areas. In the link, it says this; “From 2000 to 2010,
the number of slum dwellers living in informal settlements in developing countries increased
from 767 to 828 million (UN-HABITAT, 2011)” The social fabric within these communities can
be torn apart as the bad habitat and stresses from the city can take a toll on the society within
them. These can lead to different factions and fights between the population which is bad for
them socially.
​ All in all, the different consequences that the settlements cause is immense, as it is
temporary and will be replaced. These settlements that are mostly prominent in the Global South,
face lots of hate and plots to exterminate them, while also facing the many consequences that
come up in this highly controversial subregion.

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