Megacities and the consequences of rapid growth
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Flip to reveal answersDefine a megacity.
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Question
Define a megacity.
Answer
An urban area with a population of **10 million or more**.
Question
Where are most megacities found today?
Answer
In **lower- and middle-income** countries, mostly in **Asia and Africa**.
Question
Which two countries are forecast to hold the most megacities by 2030?
Answer
**China and India** — both have huge, fast-growing urban populations.
Question
Name two drawbacks of rapid megacity growth.
Answer
Housing shortages / **slums** and **traffic congestion** with air pollution (also pressure on water, sanitation and jobs).
Question
Name two benefits of rapid megacity growth.
Answer
More, **better-paid jobs** and **economic growth** (megacities drive national GDP); also better access to services.
Question
What is an informal settlement?
Answer
Unplanned, often self-built housing (a **slum**) that grows when a city expands faster than it can house people.
Question
Give one way an individual benefits from megacity growth.
Answer
A **better-paid job** (economic) or access to schools and hospitals nearby (social).
Question
Why does megacity growth benefit wider society?
Answer
Megacities create wealth, drive **national GDP**, and make services cheaper to provide to people living close together.
Question
How do you find the range of values on a figure?
Answer
**Highest value minus the lowest** value.
Question
Identify vs Estimate vs Determine on a figure?
Answer
**Identify** = read it off; **Estimate** = a sensible figure from the axis; **Determine** = work out a value (e.g. a range).
Question
Why are megacity effects not 'entirely negative'?
Answer
Alongside slums and pollution there are real **benefits** — jobs, services and economic growth — so a balanced answer is needed.
Question
In a 'to what extent' essay, how should you finish?
Answer
With an explicit, **justified judgement** supported by named megacities and data.
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Full study notes for Megacities and the consequences of rapid growth
Topic 1.2 hub
Changing populations and places
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