Research shows that more and more people are now residing in mega-cities, which have populations exceeding 20 million. I believe this is a negative development, as overcrowding and urbanization can lead to strained infrastructure and environmental degradation.
Firstly, overcrowding places immense pressure on infrastructure. When the population grows due to an influx of residents, essential services such as transportation, housing, and sanitation often struggle to meet demand. This can significantly impact the quality of life for local residents. For example, in Tashkent, the capital of Uzbekistan, the government frequently struggles to provide basic services like hot water and electricity during the winter months, largely due to the sheer number of people living in the city. This illustrates that if the government is unprepared, urban residents may face considerable challenges in maintaining a decent standard of living.
Secondly, urban expansion also leads to environmental degradation. This is because green spaces and agricultural lands are replaced with concrete to accommodate ever-increasing numbers of new arrivals. As a result, biodiversity is lost, and natural ecosystems are disrupted, which can have long-term consequences for the planet. Moreover, increased construction and industrial activity often contribute to higher levels of air and water pollution, further harming both the environment and public health. These negative effects, if ignored for too long, can become irreversible, making urban living unsustainable for future generations.
In conclusion, the rapid urbanization and growth of mega-cities present significant challenges, making it a negative development overall. Overcrowding strains infrastructure, reducing the quality of life for residents, while urban expansion disrupts ecosystems and accelerates environmental degradation.