Have you been stuck in traffic gridlock recently, used DC's Metro or other public transit system and found escalators that didn't work, overcrowded subway cars that creaked, or faced a power outage for hours or days at your office or home?

Many people would answer "yes" to one or more of those questions. And they are but the tip of the proverbial population growth iceberg.

For one of the biggest threats to our planet is not coming from huge asteroids that pass near Earth. Rather, a major challenge is the mushrooming populations in cities around the globe.

While the 7 billion people mark was just reached, over half are now in cities. And as population grows to 8 billion, 9 billion or beyond, the U.N. Population Fund says near all future growth will occur in urban areas of the developing world. It says they are "unprepared for such rapid expansion. Planning needs to begin now to take advantage of the many benefits cities can offer."

In 1975, there were only 3 cities with populations of over 10 million. Last year, 20 cities were at that mark, and by 2025 – less than 14 years from now – the U.N. projects 29 cities at that milestone.

On Thursday, November 17, 2011, Pedro Ortiz, world-renowned urban expert and now Senior Advisor to the World Bank, will address the challenges and opportunities this scenario presents. He will be speaking to the Wharton Club of DC's Green Business Roundtable at the offices of Steptoe & Johnson, Washington, DC. The press and concerned members of the public are invited.

He has formulated a forecasting model and specific ways to combat the increasingly perilous situation. Señor Ortiz will discuss business opportunities as part of viable long-term urban development plans that must be implemented.

He joined the World Bank in January 2011 as Senior Advisor to develop strategic guidelines for Urban, Metropolitan and Global Development Issues. He is currently spearheading proposals in 12 countries in Asia, Sub-Saharan Africa, Latin America and the Middle East.

His metropolitan development model takes into account projected growth for the next 40 years. The model considers needs in infrastructure, housing and transportation, social facilities, economic development and environmental sustainability.

If you and your organization are concerned about the state of our cities and our planet, we invite you to attend. If you are prepared to help meet the challenges, this is a must-attend event.