SPATIAL ANALYSIS OF URBAN GROWTH AND AGGLOMERATION IN A FACTORIAL CONTEXT (1980-2020)

The complex relationship between demographic growth, urban expansion, and global change has become a central focus of contemporary interdisciplinary research. A simple Google Scholar search yields over one million entries, highlighting the field's significance. This study uses a multivariate analysis to examine factors driving the dynamics of global urban agglomerations from 1980 to 2020. Agglomerations are defined spatially, using a consistent methodology for all 2015 cases with a minimum population of 500,000. Our analysis reveals regional patterns of evolution strongly correlated with geographic location, demographic growth, economic development, and risk levels. The study underscores the increasing tension between urban expansion and natural or anthropogenic risks, demanding urgent solutions for sustainable development. While not explicitly focusing on the urban environment relationship, the study also highlights models for sustainable adaptation across diverse geographical contexts.