The Rapid Rise Of The Africa and Asia : Mega Cities

The concept of urbanization, which is thought to have developed in parallel with financial growth, is now changing. Rates of urbanization in Europe and North America rised rapidly in the 19th century while reaching its saturation point towards the end of the 20th century. The population explosion that began in Africa and Asia after the 1950s will be evident in the coming years.

According to the report of the United Nations (UN) Office of Economic and Social Affairs, while migration to cities continues to increase, two-thirds of the world's population is projected to live in cities by 2050. According to the United Nations, 90% of this displacement is expected to be in Asia and Africa. The number of Mega-cities, which is now 36, will expected to reach 43 in next 10 years.

The Striking Effect of Birth Rates

In addition to migration, rising birth rates have a significant impact on population growth in cities. Africa is considered as the continent with the fastest population growth. The continent's population is growing so fast that it will be home to a billion children by the middle of this century. By 2050, two out of every five children in the world will be born here.

According to a study by the University of Ontario, in a situation where countries do not control urbanization, births and population plans, more than 100 cities will have a population of more than 5.5 million in 35 years. By 2100, the world's population centers will shift to Asia and Africa. Of the 101 largest cities, only 14 would be from European and American metropolises.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Urbanization

This unprecedented change in the urban population will provide new opportunities that can change the face of the world because it will become easier to reach denser populations. Of course, this population change will also bring unique challenges. So, new challenges in providing urban jobs, housing, energy and infrastructure to reduce urban poverty, slum expansion and degradation of the urban environment will need to be overcome.

Taking early steps to meet the needs of a growing and changing population, managing resources well, predicting energy needs, creating urbanization and urban infrastructure with the right tools using advanced technologies will be among the elements that facilitate this process.

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