Question

Yet other megacities have certainly found the right blend of concrete and urban cachet. Most notable is the world's largest urban conglomeration - Tokyo. Though the multitudes in Tokyo proper are shoehorned into a relatively small area, the city consistently ranks near the top in surveys of the world's most livable places. It boasts high-quality goods and services, a wealth of world-class restaurants, and an enviable choice of museums, galleries, and architectural wonders.

Answer 1

Urbanization is a global trend with significant implications for sustainable development. Megacities like Tokyo offer a model for balancing urban demands with livability. However, challenges persist, including transportation, pollution, and urban management, especially in the rapidly urbanizing global south.

Step-by-step explanation:

The world is experiencing significant urbanization, with regions like North America having an urbanized population of 82%, followed by Latin America/the Caribbean at 80%, and Europe at 72%. Yet, Africa's urbanization rate remains lower at 40%. Tokyo, the world's largest urban conglomeration, exemplifies a city that effectively combines urban density with livability, boasting high-quality amenities, cultural institutions, and sustainable development practices.

Globally, 55% of the population resides in urban areas, with megacities in the global south becoming more populous. As urbanization continues, especially in less developed countries, the principal challenge is to achieve sustainable development without harm to the natural environment. Cities like Lagos in Nigeria and Nairobi in Kenya are becoming larger urban centers, demonstrating the impact of globalization and the increasing demand for urban amenities.

The evolution of urban living also includes challenges such as transportation congestion, air pollution, and the ability to manage urban services efficiently. The recent COVID-19 pandemic has further highlighted the need for effective disease containment in densely populated areas.