Megacities

Abstract

Megacities have captured the world's attention since the 1980s by their growing number and the significance they have in global development. Over time, more megacities have emerged in the developing world. Megacities are conceptually different from world cities or global cities because they are mainly defined by population size rather than global functions, although evidence of economic, social, and technological power with national or global significance has been found in some megacities. Planning and managing megacities are challenging tasks, requiring resources, technologies, and experiences that are often in short supply in the relevant cities and countries. These urban challenges, which are also heavily influenced by globalization, are the issues that must be handled by megacities in achieving sustainable development.