The world is experiencing a global phenomenon of urbanization that is redefining societies, economies and ecosystems. The megacitiesthose that exceed 10 million inhabitants, are growing at an accelerated rate. According to the report of BBC Science Focusthese cities are giants in terms of population and are a reflection of the challenges facing humanity, such as overpopulationhe climate change and the social inequality.
From Tokyo to Lagos, each of these cities offers a unique insight into how humans cluster in large metropolises to seek opportunity, but also face serious problems of infrastructure, pollution, and housing.
LagosNigeria’s largest city, is a vibrant center of culture and commerce, where contrasts of wealth and poverty coexist. With a population of 16.5 million people, this city on the coast of the Gulf of Guinea is characterized by non-stop energy, from its markets to its beaches. However, Lagos faces serious problems of pollution and overcrowding. The residents of the Makoko floating communityfor example, live in houses built on stilts, while the expansion on the island of Victoria is helping to alleviate the problem of population density by building Eko Atlantic Citya megacomplex on land reclaimed from the sea. However, these efforts failed to completely mitigate water pollution and the excessive growth of the city.
The capital of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Kinshasais one of the fastest growing megacities in the world. With a population of 17 million, the city sits on the banks of the Congo River. Kinshasa combines extreme poverty with a growing upper class, in a unique mix of luxury apartments and slum communities. The rapid growth of the city brought with it serious economic, food and infrastructure problems. Politics and economic instability, compounded by decades of conflict, left Kinshasa struggling to meet the basic needs of its population.
Karachi It is the largest city in Pakistan, located on the banks of the Arabian sea. This metropolis of 17.6 million people began as a small fishing village in the 18th century, but is now a vital commercial and industrial center for the country. The city experienced rapid growth due to the immigration of millions of people, including tens of thousands of Afghan refugees. However, the infrastructure and the sanitation They remain serious problems, and the city also faces challenges related to violence between ethnic factions. The climate crisiswhich has already begun to affect Karachi with massive floodswill continue to be a determining factor in its future.
In the southwest of China, Chongqing It is one of the largest and most populated cities, with a population of 17.8 million. The city has experienced spectacular growth in recent decades, transforming from a major commercial center into a megacity. Chongqing had difficulty managing pollution, with poor quality air and huge garbage dumps. However, the city began to implement initiatives such as automated waste sorting systems to try to reduce its environmental impact. Furthermore, it is positioning itself as a “zero waste” cityan ambitious effort to improve the quality of life of its inhabitants.
Part of the metropolitan area of Keihanshinwhich includes Osaka, Kyoto y Kobethis Japanese city has 19.2 million inhabitants. Famous for its gastronomic culture and his modern architectureOsaka is also a key financial center in Asia. However, like many megacities, it faces challenges such as congested traffic and the lack of affordable housing. Despite its advanced development, finding a place to live in the city center remains difficult, even for those with deep pockets.
The capital of China, Beijingis one of the oldest cities in the world, with a history dating back more than 2,000 years. With 19.4 million inhabitants, it is also a very important economic center, home to large corporations and the largest concentration of milmillonarios in the country. However, Beijing is struggling with serious air pollution. The combination of the vehicle emissionhe desert dust and the industrial factories has generated an environmental crisis in the city, forcing authorities to implement temporary restrictions and encourage the use of public transportation.
mumbaithe commercial capital of Indiais famous for being the center of the film industry in Bollywood. With 20.1 million inhabitants, this city, built on seven islands, is also a key point in the global economy. However, the rapid growth of the population generated serious problems of infrastructure, sanitation y dwelling. The city is home to some of the most congested streets in the world, and its public transportation system could not keep up with demand.
The capital of Bangladesh, Dhakais another megacity that has grown rapidly. With a population of 20.2 million people, Dhaka has seen a construction boom skyscraper and offices due to the growth of publishing industry and business. However, the city faces the threat of seasonal floodingexacerbated by its location in the ganges delta. The lack of adequate infrastructure to manage rainwater put millions of inhabitants at risk.
The capital of egypt, Cairowith 20.4 million inhabitants, is famous for its pyramids and its historical legacy. However, the city faces serious problems of traffic, desert dust y hot weather. In an attempt to alleviate congestion, the government planned to build two transit systems. monorrieles that will improve public transportation. Cairo It is home to 11% of Egypt’s population and is therefore a crucial center of economy, culture and politics.
The Mexico City It is the largest city in Latin America and one of the oldest on the continent, with a population of 21.6 million. Founded in 1325, the city has been a center of commerce, politics and culture since pre-Hispanic times. Its accelerated growth was driven by rural immigration in search of work. Homelessness and sprawl led to the construction of slums on the outskirts. Despite these problems, the Mexico City is still a economic engine key for Latin America.
São Paulothe largest city in Brazilis known for its inequality and their immense social contrasts. With 21.8 million inhabitants, the city is home to both favelas like the imposing skyscrapers of the financial district. Although crime has decreased in recent years and air quality has improved, São Paulo continues to face problems related to water distribution and the sanitation. The lack of natural sources of drinking water is a constant concern for the metropolis.
Shanghai is one of the most vibrant megacities of China, with a population of 26.3 million people. Known for its Nanjing Road shopping districtwhere millions of people shop daily, Shanghai has grown from a small fishing village to become a major global city. The city is famous for its modern architecturewhich contrasts with its rich history, and experienced an enormous boom in recent decades, becoming the economic engine of China.
The capital of india, Delhiwith 29.3 million inhabitants, is a cultural and historical center of great importance. However, the city faces traffic problems, pollution y low quality housingwith more than half of the population living in precarious conditions. The infrastructure of Delhi, although improved with recent projects, remains insufficient for the growing demands of its residents.
Finally, Tokiothe largest megacity in the world, with 37.4 million people, is a global epicenter in terms of technology, economy and culture. This city of high density faces challenges such as lack of space, tiny homes and transportation problems. However, Tokyo remains an example of efficiency y punctuality in its public transportation system.
