1.2.2 Megacity Growth and Its Consequences Notes

Urbanization Challenges and Opportunities

1. Imagine standing in the heart of Mumbai, surrounded by skyscrapers, bustling markets, and the vibrant energy of millions of people.
2. But just a few steps away, you find Dharavi, one of the world's largest informal settlements.
3. This stark contrast captures the essence of urbanization: a powerful force driving both progress and inequality.

Urbanization is Driven by Migration and Natural Increase

1. Rural-Urban Migration

1. Migration to urban areas occurs as people leave rural regions in search of better opportunities
2. This can be categorized into economic and social pull factors.
   1. Economic factors: better employment opportunities, higher wages, more diverse job markets
   2. Social factors: improved education access, better healthcare facilities, enhanced lifestyle options.
3. Cities offer opportunities that rural areas often lack, such as higher wages and diverse industries.

2. Natural Increase

1. Urban populations grow through birth rates exceeding death rates, particularly in developing countries.
2. Cities often have younger populations, contributing to higher natural increase rates.
3. Improved healthcare in urban areas leads to lower infant mortality and longer life expectancy.

Urbanization Brings Both Opportunities and Challenges

Positive Impacts

1. Economic Development
   1. Cities generate significant economic output, often contributing disproportionately to national GDP.
   2. Urban areas attract foreign direct investment and foster innovation clusters.
   3. The concentration of businesses creates employment multiplier effects, where one job creates several others in supporting industries.
2. Infrastructure Benefits
   1. Urban areas develop extensive transportation networks, including metro systems, airports, and highways.
   2. Cities provide better access to utilities like electricity, water, and internet connectivity.
   3. The development of social infrastructure and public services such as schools, hospitals, and cultural centers improves quality of life.

Challenges

1. Informal Settlements
   1. Rapid urbanization often leads to the growth of informal settlements, like Dharavi in Mumbai.
   2. These areas typically lack basic services such as clean water, sanitation, and electricity.
   3. Residents often face insecure land tenure and risk of eviction.
2. Environmental Pressures
   1. Urban growth contributes to air pollution through increased vehicle emissions and industrial activity.
   2. Cities face challenges with waste management, often leading to contamination of water bodies.
   3. The expansion of urban areas results in loss of green spaces and natural habitats.

Case study

Mumbai, India

1. Growth and Development
   1. Mumbai's population has grown from 8 million in 1971 to over 20 million today.
   2. The city generates 6% of India's GDP and houses the country's largest stock exchange.
   3. Major infrastructure projects like the Mumbai Metro (cost: $19.2 billion) aim to improve urban mobility.
2. Urban Challenges
   1. Over 75% of Mumbai's population lives in informal settlements.
   2. Dharavi, spanning 2.1 km², houses approximately 1 million people.
   3. The average population density in informal settlements reaches 277,136 people per km².