Housing Statistics and Data Highlights
Get schooled on why improving housing and making our homes eco-friendlier, safer, and more socially equitable is just plain smart. Here's a run-down of the benefits that come with seriously upgrading our living spaces.
Setting the Stage
Our planet's population clocks in at about 7.7 billion souls, each of whom deserves a decent roof over their head. A staggering half the world's population resides in just seven countries, primarily United States, Brazil, Nigeria, Pakistan, India, China, and Indonesia. Urban areas and other settlements take up a mere 1% of the Earth's habitable land, totaling an area of 1.5 million square kilometers [1].
Affordable Abodes
Rampant house price growth has outpaced income growth in over half of OECD (Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development) nations since 2015 [2]. Only around 48% of people in these countries have access to enough decent and relatively affordable housing [3]. In the majority of OECD countries, renting is more expensive than purchasing a property [2]. Between 2010 and 2019, housing costs in the EU have climbed by 19%, while rents have risen by 13% [2]. Just shy of 7% of the total housing inventory in OECD countries consists of social housing [3]. In the United States, three out of four low-income families shell out more than half their paycheck on rent [5]. Housing takes the top spot as the most expensive household expense across OECD and EU countries [5]. In extravagant cities like Hong Kong, Munich, Singapore, and Shanghai, the average residential property price surpasses an eye-popping $1.25 million [6]. In New York, the monthly rental average tips the scales at an astonishing $2,870 [6].
Homes for the Next Gen
Students who relocate to lower-poverty neighborhoods secure about a 31% salary bump as adults [7]. Pupils attending sustainable schools flock to class at a higher rate [8]. Children with access to affordable and adequate housing perform better academically [8]. Members of the millennial generation rank housing as their most pressing concern among OECD countries [9]. More than a fourth of the EU's youth populace (ages 15-29) resided in cramped accommodations as of 2019 [9].
It's About Time We Upgraded
An estimated 1.6 billion souls suffer from subpar housing conditions globally [10]. Europe alone houses 700,000 individuals without a permanent residence [10]. The less money an individual earns, the more likely they are to experience overcrowding [10]. By offering affordable housing solutions, tension within urban areas can be significantly reduced [10].
Home Sweet Home: A Boost to Health
Subpar housing conditions elevate the risk of disease, injury, and diminished mental health [11]. Overcrowding correlates with increased mortality rates [11]. Domiciles have a significant impact on mental health, shaping sleep patterns, relationships, self-esteem, stress, and anxiety levels [11]. A sense of community fosters mental and emotional well-being [11]. Access to outdoor recreational spaces encourages physical activity and helps combat obesity [11].
Green Relaxation, Here We Come
Buildings and the construction industry responsible for 38% of all energy-related CO2 emissions [12]. Despite these eye-watering numbers, sustainable housing stands out as the most viable sector for confronting climate change without incurring additional costs by employing energy-efficient systems, renewable energy sources, and eco-friendly materials [12]. Green housing offers an investment opportunity valued at a staggering $24.7 trillion [13]. Over time, green buildings are likely to incur lower costs compared to traditional structures [13]. Buildings that reject climate change policies could experience a devaluation in market worth and face potential legal action [13]. As early as 2012, green schools reduced annual operational costs by a jaw-dropping $100,000 [14].
A Quick Recap
Improving housing to make it greener, safer, more socially inclusive, affordable, and overall more aligned with our needs is critical. Sure, it may look like a mountainous task ahead, but it's definitely a summit we can conquer to transform our urban paradises into eco-friendly, healthy, and inclusive sanctuaries!
- In environmental-science discussions, the importance of sustainable housing emerges as a crucial frontier in the combat against climate-change, accounting for 38% of all energy-related CO2 emissions.
- The housing-market presents a significant financial opportunity, with investments in green housing valued at an astounding $24.7 trillion, promising lower long-term costs compared to traditional structures.
- Science and health-and-wellness are strongly intertwined in the context of housing, as subpar living conditions are linked to increased risks of disease, injury, and mental health issues.
- Given the current state of the housing-market, where only 48% of people have access to sufficiently affordable homes, it is crucial to prioritize improving housing to ensure a socially equitable, safe, and eco-friendly future for our rapidly growing global population.
