Air pollution also takes its toll on human health. Millions of dollars are spent on health care due to air pollution and many early deaths result from respiratory diseases such as bronchitis and asthma. Governments should spend part of the fuel tax on cycle lanes and cheaper means of transport. All cities are divided between rich and poor sectors. Business growth and rising numbers of tourists increase the incomes of the rich but the poor see little of the increased wealth.
Vast numbers live in shanty towns in cheap, self-made sheds.
There is insufficient clean water or sanitation, few schools, few amenities of any kind. Health suffers first. It is estimated that 100 million people in cities are homeless in both developed and developing countries. Some of the worst polluting industries are likely to be located in poor or racially distinct neighbourhood. Water is the single most valuable resource for cities.