Megacity Investigation

Year 8 Geography
Term 1: Everyone has a story

1
Megacity Investigation

In 2008, for the first time in history, the majority of the world’s population lived and worked in towns and
cities. This urban population is projected to continue growing in the future. The fast pace and unplanned
nature of this growth has seen the development of megacities — and along with opportunities come many
problems. It is a challenge to create sustainable urban environments that meet the needs of the people
living in these places.

Jacplus overview video – As a class we will watch the introduction video

Where are cities located?

How is a city different from other urban areas such as towns and villages? A city is a large and permanent
settlement, and is usually quite complex in terms of transport, land use and utilities such as water, power
and sanitation.

The world’s cities are generally located along or close to coastlines and transport routes. Some regions
remain thinly populated and unlit. Antarctica is entirely dark. The interior jungles of Africa and South
America are mostly dark, but lights are beginning to appear there. Deserts in Africa, Arabia, Australia,
Mongolia and the United States are poorly lit as well, although there are some lights along coastlines. Other
dark areas include the forests of Canada and Russia, and the great mountains of the Himalayan region and
Mongolia.

Figure 2 - Colombia, South America

2
How to interpret photographs

Complete the following questions about figure 2.

a. Describe the foreground and background shown in the photograph.

b. List the natural and human characteristics shown in the photograph.

c. What does this photograph show about urban environments? How has the
urban environment changed the natural environment?

d. Imagine that the population of this city continues to increase. Describe what might happen
to the land in the future.

e. Do you think that all land surrounding cities should be able to be taken up by buildings? Why
or why not?

Interpret this image by answering the questions after it:

3
Questions:

1. What activities are being carried out in the slums?

2. Describe the buildings in the slum, including size, construction techniques, building materials and
density of buildings.

3. Describe the possible movement of people through the slums.

4. In the left foreground is a water tank. This seems unusual in this environment. Can you suggest what
might be happening in this community?

5. What additional information would you like to have about this place, especially considering the
presence of the multistorey buildings in the background?

Why do people move to urban areas?’

Definition of Push
Factor & example

Definition of Pull Factor

& example

How do urban areas affect people’s ways of life?

Urban challenges

4
Rapid population growth in urban areas can result in problems such as poverty, unemployment, inadequate
shelter, poor sanitation, dirty or depleted water supplies, air pollution, road congestion and overcrowded
public transport.

1. Slums
In many developing countries, urban growth has resulted in unplanned settlements called slums (other
terms used around the world include ghettos, favelas, shantytowns, bidonvilles and bustees). Almost 1
billion people live in slums worldwide.

The United Nations defines a slum as follows.

… one or a group of individuals living under the same roof in an urban area, lacking one or more of the
following five amenities: (1) durable housing (a permanent structure providing protection from extreme
climatic conditions); (2) sufficient living area (no more than three people sharing a room); (3) access to
improved water (water that is sufficient, affordable and can be obtained without extreme effort); (4) access
to improved sanitation facilities (a private toilet, or a public one shared with a reasonable number of
people); and (5) secure tenure and protection against forced eviction.

2. Water and sanitation

Many cities cannot keep up with more and more people living in urban areas, which means it is difficult to
provide water and toilets for everyone (see table 1 below). Without these services, more people suffer from
diseases and poor health and are unable to go to work or school.

Table 1: Availability of water and sanitation in selected regional cities around the world
Water on premises (%) Flush toilets (%)
Urban poor Urban non-poor Urban poor Urban non-poor

Latin America 59 74 44 67
Sub-Saharan Africa 31 46 20 32

South, Central and 59 74 48 60

West Asia
South-east Asia 36 50 67 88

3. Transport and pollution

In cities that can’t keep up with rapid population growth, traffic congestion and overcrowded public
transport mean that many people must travel for hours to get to and from work (see figure 1 below).

5
Pollution is also a problem that affects the health of people living in cities. Most cities have high levels of air
pollution and some — including Mexico City, Buenos Aires, Beijing and Los Angeles — are famous for being
so polluted.

According to the World Bank, 16 of the world’s 20 cities with the worst air are in China. The burning of coal
is the main source of air pollution in China.

FIGURE 1 Traffic congestion in Los Angeles, United States

6
FIGURE 2 The proportion of each country’s urban population living in slums

Source: United Nations Statistics Division

Questions:

1. Why is it difficult in a country the size of Australia, with population concentrated on the coast, to
provide services in outback areas? How would providing services be different in a country such as
Luxembourg in Europe? Look at the size of Luxembourg by using Google Maps or Google Earth.

What is a megacity?

Over the next century, urbanisation is predicted to increase at an even greater rate than it has in the past.
Forty years ago, only one-third of the world’s population lived in urban areas — now this figure is just over
one half. Many of these people are attracted to cities with huge populations, and increasingly these cities
are becoming megacities.

A megacity is a city with more than 10 million inhabitants. When you consider that Australia’s population is
around 23 million — with around 4.5 million of those living in our largest city, Sydney — it is hard to imagine
what it would be like to live in a megacity.

The number of megacities has grown over time. In 1950, only two cities in the world — Tokyo and New York
— had a population above 10 million. By 1975 there were four; by 2000 there were 17, and in 2016 there
were 36 megacities. By 2030, it is predicted that there will be over 41 megacities in the world. Nineteen of
these cities exceed the megacity definition and have a population greater than 15 million.

7
The distribution of megacities — that is, where they are located over space in the world — has also
changed. In 1975, two megacities were located in the Americas and two in Asia. In 2014 more than half (15)
of all megacities were located in Asia; and it is predicted that, in 2030, 23 of the 41 megacities will be
located in Asia. There is also a change in terms of the wealth of countries that contain megacities, with the
majority now located in developing countries. This is in contrast to the development of urbanisation, in
which North America and Europe were the focus of historic urban growth. By 2030, it is predicted that 23
megacities will exist in less developed countries.

FIGURE 1 The growth of megacities over time

Source: United Nations World Urbanization Prospects 2014 Revision

Case Study: Mumbai

ClickView: Urbanisation and Megacities https://clickv.ie/w/1bYo

1. 0:54 - What is a megacity? (circle the answer)

City with more than 5million people

City with more than 10 million people

City with more than 15 million people

8
City with more than 20 million people

2. 1:12 - It is predicted that there will be 43 megacities in the world by 2030.

True

False

3. 4:56 - Name two factors that you believe contribute to Mumbai's growing population.

4. 7:17 - Write the definition of the TFR below:

5. 10:01- Write these rural push factors below:

6. 21:26 - Write these Urban pull factors below:

7. 23:44 - What impact do you think the living conditions for these people will have on their ability to protect
themselves from Covid 19?

The never-ending city

In some parts of the world, megacities are merging to create megaregions. These regions are home to huge
populations. Examples of megaregions include:

 Hong Kong–Shenzhen–Guangzhou in China, already home to around 120 million people

 Kyoto–Osaka–Kobe, with a population of over 20 million in 2010
 Rio de Janeiro–São Paulo in Brazil, with a population of more than 23 million people.

9
FIGURE 3 The city of Shenzhen, in the Pearl River
delta, in the twenty-first century

In 1988, the rivers and streams flowed through a

fertile region with rice paddies, wheat fields,
orchards and fish ponds. The region was mostly
rural, and the population of roughly 10 million
distributed between rural areas and a few cities.

By 2014 these cities have grown quickly and

merged into an interconnected megalopolis with a
population of 42 million. When combining the
population of Hong Kong, the total is around 120
million.

Megacity facts

 Over half the future growth in megacities will be within Asia.

 The 20 largest cities consume 80 per cent of the world’s energy and produce 80 per cent of global
greenhouse gas emissions.
 Slums in megacities are especially vulnerable to climate change, as they are often built on hazardous
sites in high-risk locations.

Activity

1. Research the three megaregions mentioned on the previous page. Why do these regions develop?

2. Describe the changes that have occurred in the Hong Kong–Shenzhen–Guangzhou region. Find
this place on a map and describe where it is in relation to the rest of China and to two other countries
in Asia.

Case Study: Japan & Mexico

ClickView: Cities on the Edge: https://clickv.ie/w/354n

1. 32:47

Why do you think they are relocating the "Old Town"?

2. 38:01 - Andrew Marr (the presenter) is standing in the middle of Shibuya Crossing. It is one of the busiest
intersections in the world.

10
 o True
o False

3. 38:24 - In Tokyo, what kind of things will you find on the top of buildings. Why?

4. 41:00 - How do you feel about this apartment in Tokyo?

5. 47:33 - How does Mexico City's geography impact the layout of the city?

6. 48:03 - How would you compare the crime rate of Tokyo compared with Mexico City?

7. 52:46 - What are some of the positive elements of Mexico City's street culture?

8. 54:58 - Andrew Marr predicts that if we let megacities grow more like coral reefs without too much
order, we'll be fine. What do you think he means by this metaphor? Can you suggest your own metaphor?

11
Geographical Inquir y:

Investigating a Megacity

Scenario
The latest liveability report for Asian megacities has been released, and residents are concerned.
Populations are increasing by between one and five per cent every year, putting city infrastructure
under extreme pressure.

City authorities have commissioned your team to put together a website increasing awareness of the
characteristics of the Asian megacity and informing residents of current and newly proposed sustainable
development planning initiatives.

Your Task
Your team has been put in charge of creating a website designed to inform the residents of an Asian
megacity about its characteristics. Each city will be different depending on its location, wealth or poverty,
size and climate.

Your investigations need to ensure that the audience can gain a comprehensive understanding of both
population characteristics and city characteristics, and any urban problems are presented.

A key feature of your website will be to cover any urban solutions and innovations that are currently being
implemented in your megacity.

12
Process

You are required to form a group (maximum of 3 people per group)

Planning

Your group will need to research information on the following areas:

1. Location and City Characteristics (main economy, tourism and culture)

2. Population Characteristics (migrants and migration, languages and religion statistics)

3. Urban problems

4. Solutions and innovations

5. A topic of your own

Please note:
Students are required to divide these research tasks among the members of their group. Designing the
website is a collaborative process and is not the sole responsibility of one student

Collecting and Recording Data

Begin by discussing with your group what you might already know about your chosen megacity. Then
discuss the information you will be looking for and where you might find it.

To discover extra information about life in your megacity, find at least three sources per research topic. At
least one of these should be an offline source such as a book or an encyclopaedia.

Analysing Information and Data

You now need to decide what information to include in your website. Each of the following sources must
include a written description.

- Maps to show location

- Graphs, tables and lists to illustrate data
- Images and photos with annotations (descriptive notes)

You also need to make sure that you have addressed each of the following points:

1. Describe the pattern of distribution on each of the maps or satellite

images you have drawn or collected.

2. What are the main characteristics of your city?

13
 3. How has your city changed over time? Is information available on how it is predicted to change in
the future?

4. For what reasons are people attracted to move to this city?

5. What are the main problems in this city? Are there any solutions being introduced
to try to overcome these problems?

6. You might want to insert features such as ‘Amazing facts’ and ‘Did you know?’
into your interactive website.

Communicating your findings

Use website-building software (Wix) to build your website. Remember that less is more with website
design. Your mission is to inform people about your Asian megacity in an informative and engaging way. You
want people to take the time to read, watch and interact with your entire website

Ensure your website contains the following:

o Location and City Characteristics (main economy, tourism and culture)

o Population Characteristics (migrants and migration, languages and religion statistics)

14
 o How has your city changed over time? Is information available on how it is predicted to change in
the future?
For what reasons are people attracted to move to this city?
o Urban problems (e.g. over-crowding, pollution, housing crisis etc)
o Solutions and innovations (what is currently in place, or can you think of other solutions)
o A topic of your own (e.g. ‘Amazing Facts’ or ‘Did you know’
o Maps to show location
o Describe the pattern of distribution on each of the maps or satellite
images you have drawn or collected.
o Graphs, tables and lists to illustrate data
o Images and photos with annotations (descriptive notes)

Before you submit, ask yourself….Have I:

o Used a minimum of three sources per research topic.
o At least one of these should be an offline source such as a book or an encyclopaedia.
o Included a full bibliography (not just URL Links)

15
 Achievement Standards
Explains geographical processes
(urbanisation) that influence the
characteristics of places and explain how
places are perceived and valued
differently
Explains interconnections within
environments and between people and
places and explains how they change
places and environments. (11.2.3)
Proposes explanations for spatial
distributions and patterns among
phenomena and identifies associations
between distribution patterns (11.2.3
part 1)
Compares alternative strategies to a
geographical challenge and proposes a
response, taking into account
environmental, economic and social
factors
A B
Geographical Knowledge and Understanding
comprehensive explanation
of geographical processes
that influence the
characteristics of places and
of how places are perceived
and valued differently
comprehensive explanation
of interconnections within
environments and between
people and places and of
how they change places and
environments
comprehensive explanations
for spatial distributions and
patterns among phenomena
and explains associations
between distribution
patterns
comprehensive comparison
and explanation of
alternative strategies to a
geographical challenge
taking into account
environmental, economic
and social factors
detailed explanation of
geographical processes that
influence the characteristics
of places and of how places
are perceived and valued
differently
detailed explanation of
interconnections within
environments and between
people and places and of
how they change places and
environments
detailed explanations for
spatial distributions and
patterns among phenomena
and describesf associations
between distribution
patterns
detailed comparison and
description of alternative
strategies to a geographical
challenge taking into
account environmental,
economic and social factors
C D
explanation of geographical
processes that influence the
characteristics of places and
of how places are perceived
and valued differently
explanation of
interconnections within
environments and between
people and places and of
how they change places and
environments
explains spatial distributions
and patterns among
phenomena and identifies
associations between
distribution patterns
comparesf alternative
strategies in a geographical
challenge taking into
account environmental,
economic and social factors
describes geographical
processes that influence the
characteristics of places and
of how aspects of places are
perceived and valued
description of
interconnections within
environments and between
people and places and of
how they change aspects of
places and environments
describes spatial
distributions and patterns
among phenomena and
identifies aspects of
associations between
distribution patterns
Describes strategies in a
geographical challenge
taking into account aspects
of environmental, economic
and social factors
E
Makes statements about
geographical processes
and the characteristics of
places
Makes statements about
environments, people and
places and change to
places and environments
Makes statements about
spatial distributions and
patterns and associations
between distribution
patterns
identifies strategies used
in a geographical
challenge including
aspects of environmental,
economic and social
factors
16

Identifies geographically significant
questions from observations to frame an
inquiry (11.2.1)
Locates relevant information from a range
of primary and secondary sources to
answer inquiry questions. (11.2.2)
Represent s data and the location and
distribution of geographical phenomena in
a range of appropriate graphic forms,
including maps at different scales that
conform to cartographic conventions
(11.2.3)
Analyses geographical data and other
information to propose explanations for
spatial patterns, trends and relationships
and draw reasoned conclusions (11.2.3)
Presents findings, arguments and ideas
using relevant geographical terminology
and graphic representations in a range of
appropriate communication forms (11.2.4)
Proposes action in response to a
geographical challenge taking account of
environmental, economic and social
considerations and predict the outcomes of
their proposal (11.2.3)
develops discerning
geographically significant
questions from observations to
frame an inquiry
location and discerning use of
relevant information from a
range of primary and secondary
sources to effectively answer
inquiry questions
accurate and detailed
representation of data and the
location and distribution of
geographical phenomena in a
range of appropriate graphic
forms, including maps at
different scales that
consistently conform to
cartographic conventions.
discerning analysis of
geographical data and other
information to explain spatial
distribution, trends,
relationships and draw
discerning and reasoned
conclusions
purposeful presentation of
findings, arguments and ideas
using relevant geographical
terminology and graphic
representations in a range of
appropriate communication
forms
justified proposal of action in
response to a geographical
challenge taking account of
environmental, economic and
social considerations
Geographical Inquiry and Skills
develops informed
geographically significant
questions from observations to
frame an inquiry
location and informed use of
relevant information from a
range of primary and secondary
sources to effectively answer
inquiry questions
detailed representation of data
and the location and distribution
of geographical phenomena in a
range of appropriate graphic
forms, including maps at
different scales that conform to
cartographic conventions.
informed analysis of
geographical data and other
information to explain spatial
distribution, trends,
relationships and draw
detailed and reasoned
conclusions
effective presentation of
findings, arguments and ideas
using relevant geographical
terminology and graphic
representations in a range of
appropriate communication
forms
informed proposal of action in
response to a geographical
challenge taking account of
environmental, economic and
social considerations
identifies geographically
significant questions from
observations to frame an inquiry
location of relevant information
from a range of primary and
secondary sources to answer
inquiry questions
representation of data and the
location and distribution of
geographical phenomena in a
range of appropriate graphic
forms, including maps at
different scales that conform to
cartographic conventions.
analysis of geographical data
and other information to explain
spatial distribution, trends,
relationships and draw reasoned
conclusions
presentation of findings,
arguments and ideas using
relevant geographical
terminology and graphic
representations in a range of
appropriate communication
forms
proposal of action in response to
a geographical challenge taking
account of environmental,
economic and social
considerations
identifies geographical questions
from observations related to
an inquiry
location of aspects of
information from primary and
secondary sources to answer
aspects of inquiry questions
partial representation of data
and the location and distribution
of geographical phenomena in
aspects of graphic forms,
including maps at different
scales use of aspects of
cartographic conventions.
use of geographical data and
other information to describe
spatial distribution, trends,
relationships and draw partial
conclusions
partial presentation of findings
and ideas using a geographical
terminology and aspects of
graphic representations in
appropriate communication
forms
identification of action
in response to a geographical
challenge taking account of
aspects of environmental,
economic and social
considerations
identifies questions
related to an inquiry
use of information from
primary and secondary
sources to make
statements about the
inquiry questions
fragmented
representation of data and
geographical phenomena
in fragmented graphic
forms, including maps.
use of geographical data
and other information to
identify spatial
distribution and trends to
make statements
fragmented presentation
of ideas using everyday
language and
fragmented graphic
representations
statement of action
related to a geographical
challenge
17