The document discusses the rise of slums in urban areas due to increasing urbanization and inequality. Some of the key causes of slums mentioned include colonialism which denied land ownership rights, racism/apartheid policies that forced people of color into segregated areas, and globalization resulting in many unskilled migrant workers. The living conditions in slums are characterized as lacking basic services with overcrowded and insecure housing often situated in hazardous areas. The growth of slums is projected to continue as more people migrate to cities in search of opportunities.