• Engelsk
  • Utdanning: Vg2
  • Karakter: 6
  • Ord: 796

Global issues, megacities
Global Challenges – International English

Innledning
The world population is constantly increasing. In fact, as much as 360 000 children are born every single day. Together with the increase of the population arise new challenges and problems that need to be solved.

One of the problems we face in today’s modern society is the global phenomenon of urbanization.

In the UN Habitat’s State of World Cities report, they state that “The world’s mega-cities could be one of the most significant developments – and problems – in the way people live and economies grow in the next 50 years”.

(United Nations Human Settlements Programme, 2016). What are the positive and negative aspects of megacities?

Utdrag
To begin with, what exactly is a megacity? The UN defines megacities as cities with more than 10 million inhabitants (The United Nations, 2016).

Today, the majority of the megacities can be found in China and other populous countries of Asia. Because of the urbanization process, the number of megacities is constantly increasing.

The UN claim that “In 2016, there were 31 megacities globally and their number is projected to rise to 41 by 2030.” (The United Nations, 2016).

Megacities require a stable economy, adequate infrastructure and good opportunities for education and employment in order to function.

If we do not know how to deal with all the challenges megacities generate, the upcoming megacities will not be sufficient and sustainable.

Eventually, it will become an extensive problem; the condition of the megacities does not only affect the city itself, it affects the entire global community.

The increased opportunities for innovation, education and interconnectivity are some of the positive aspects of megacities.

A society with opportunities is a society with progression. The development can lead to improved standards of living, with easier access to educational and medical facilities and increased employment opportunities, amongst others.

These factors are all essential in a modern society and contribute to improved health and less poverty.

However, with an exceeding number of 10 million inhabitants, the megacities struggle to provide employment opportunities, medical attention and a proper education for everyone. The benefits are exclusively for the established citizens.