Urgent Action Needed for Megacity Sustainability in South Asia and Africa
Urgent policy changes are needed to tackle sustainability risks in rapidly growing megacities, particularly in South Asia and Sub-Saharan Africa. With populations booming and ecological hazards escalating, multilateral cooperation and financial restructuring are crucial.
South Asia's megacities are facing alarming growth, with all set to increase by at least 50% by mid-century. Dhaka, Lahore, Kolkata, and Delhi are among the eight considered unsustainable, given the strain on infrastructure and resources. These cities already grapple with severe air pollution, water tension, and catastrophic weather events. The region has the second-worst ecological hazard rating, exacerbating the situation.
Dhaka, for instance, could see its population surge from 22.6 million to 34.6 million by 2050, straining infrastructure and displacing residents due to climate change. Meanwhile, in Sub-Saharan Africa, Lagos, Kinshasa, and Nairobi are forecasted to be the fastest-growing cities over the next three years, with Lagos facing the greatest sustainability challenges due to rapid urbanization and environmental degradation. The region has the worst ecological hazard rating and scores low on peace indices, compounding issues of food instability, natural disasters, and water stress.
With at least 14 new megacities expected by mid-century, each with a population exceeding 10 million, sustainable development is paramount. Empowering local communities and providing financial support to low- and middle-income nations can help alleviate these pressures. Multilateral cooperation is vital to tackle these global challenges and ensure a sustainable future for these burgeoning metropolises.
Read also:
- Comprehensive Cancer Care Strategy Encompassed by Siemens Healthineers Entirely
- Federal solar energy initiatives among Wyoming's tribal communities face varying outcomes following the Trump Administration's withdrawal of funding.
- Exploring Hemp Insulation: Is This Eco-Conscious Solution Worthwhile for Your Construction Project?
- Construction fleet and urban transport emissions could see a significant reduction with the implementation of biogas as a game-changing solution.
