Band 7+: In many countries around the world, rural people are moving to cities, so the population in the countryside is decreasing. Do you think this is a positive or a negative development?

Nowadays, the ongoing trend of rural migration to urban one leads to a significant decline in the countryside’s population. While some claim that it has positive effects, heralding economic development, others argue that the consequences of such choice are more than serious. In my opinion, this may have only a negative development, due to a variety of reasons. First and foremost, such migration causes adverse outcomes for rural communities, making it hard for them to survive and maintain shared values. This depopulation can result in the loss of cultural heritage, alongside the deprivation of various agricultural practices. Moreover, according to statistical data, the majority of people leaving small countryside villages consist of the young generation, which was a driving force in similar areas. This may cause severe demerits for elderly people, who face the challenges associated with the physical work, which is required in such rural areas. For instance, the inability of the aging generation to work in the fields could be the reason for an overall downfall in agricultural imports impacting both living areas. Another concern is the overcrowding of cities due to the amount of people coming from the countryside. Urban infrastructure and local centres may suffer from unexpected migration waves, forming enormous traffic jams, congestion in public places, and the overall increase in rent all over the city. In addition, the growing demand for cheap healthcare and free education may also have disparities through local communities or even on a governmental level. In conclusion, the massive migration to city centers may result in the decline of the countryside’s residents, as well as the decadence of agricultural aspects and deterioration of the way of life in urban areas.