With reference to several case studies, outline the challenges of living in mega cities and possible responses to these challenges
A mega-city refers to a very large urban agglomeration of at least 8 million inhabitants. There are currently 22 mega cities including Jakarta and Mexico City. They play an important role in the connection of developing nations to the global network and are predominantly located in developing nations. The experience of mega-cities is often referred to as overurbanisation that is there are more urban residents than the economies of the cities can support. Mega-cities are known for performing national or international functions such as high order services (government, banking, insurance and finance) however they also have large informal sectors such as vending and hawking in addition to major manufacturing centers. Over recent decades the increased integration of nations through the process of globalization has posed formidable challenges of living in mega cities in areas such as housing, traffic infrastructure, water and power supplies, sanitations services, employment, other social and health issues. This essay shall outline the challenges of living in mega-cities with reference to Jakarta and Mexico City and responses, which have been implemented in regard to these issues.
Mexico City is the world’s second largest urban area, located in the capital city of Mexico it obtains a population, which exceeds 19.5 million and is estimated to reach 21.6 million by 2015. Mexico City is a mega-city as it dominates economic, cultural and political life of the country obtaining 50% of the country’s theatres, 75% of radio stations, it accounts for 80% of government employment and provides more than 50% of jobs in manufacturing. Furthermore it contributes 25% of national GDP and is often described as being a primate city- a city that completely dominates other urban centers within the country. Jakarta is a mega-city, which has a population...