Maximizing the Potentials of Megacities
- October 30, 2019
- Posted by: RSIS
- Categories: IJRISS, Social Science
International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science (IJRISS) | Volume III, Issue X, October 2019 | ISSN 2454–6186
Maximizing the Potentials of Megacities
Nikhil Ravindra
Urban Development, Technische Universität Berlin, Germany
Abstract: – The article aims at efficient measures to maximize thepotentials of megacities across the globe and based on research questions ‘What solutions are suggested to deal with the major challenges associated with a mega-city?’. The paper introduces the term “Megacity” coined and defined by the United Nations; and the urbanization trend observed in recent times to understand the problems. The diversity of challenges faced by these cities such as low maturity levels, natural disasters, infrastructural, safety and social problems are highlighted by referring to a survey conducted by Siemens in 2016. Possible solutions with regards to governance, financing and strategies to overcome these challenges are recommended based on desktop research and also literature review of reports by reputed companies such as Allianz and Ericsson. A long term approach of dealing with the challenges are not just addressing the five pillars of sustainability: ecology, economy, legal, urban layout/ architecture and social aspects; but, a holistic approach integrating information communication technology in order to minimize the weaknesses and threats.
Keywords: Megacities, Three Ages of Megacities, Information Communication Technology
I. INTRODUCTION
A. Research Aim
The report aims for strategies to increase the opportunities of megacities while overcoming its challenges by considering survey and reports of reputed companies. Recommendations are made not just in terms of governance, economy and social aspects; but also highlighting how the use of technology could possibly make a positive difference.
B. Definition
The term “megacity” was coined by the United Nations (UN) in the year 1970 to designate urban areas with more than 8 million inhabitants and in 1990’s this threshold was raised to 10 million inhabitants and over. A few other definitions say mega-cities are cities with a minimum population densitiy level of 2,000 persons/sqkm. A mega city can either be a single metropolitan area or a combination of two or more metropolitan areas which have grown to an extent to be called urban areas. Synonyms of mega-city include Megapolis or Megalopolis and cities which have population of more than 20 million people are called Hypercities [4].
