The map shows the growth and distribution of megacities between 2011 - 2025.
Define “megacity”.
A city with a population of more than 10 million people
Explain one reason, other than migration, why the number of megacities has grown in recent years.
Award up to 2 marks for development and/or exemplification, focused on a growing number of cities passing the ten million threshold.
For example:
Cities also grow in size because of natural increase
Explain one economic reason why large numbers of people have migrated to megacities in recent years.
One economic reason
-
Jobs in cities/lack of jobs in countryside
1 mark - People migrate to megacities in search of employment opportunities and better economic prospects that are more readily available in urban areas compared to rural areas.
1 mark - For example, rapid industrialization and economic growth in megacities like Mumbai or Shanghai has created a large number of job opportunities, attracting migrants from other regions where jobs are scarce or poorly paid.
1 mark
- People migrate to megacities in search of employment opportunities and better economic prospects that are more readily available in urban areas compared to rural areas.
-
Regional economic disparities
1 mark - Economic development is often concentrated in megacities, leading to significant regional disparities in income and opportunities.
1 mark - This drives migration from less developed regions to megacities where there are more economic opportunities and higher wages.
1 mark
- Economic development is often concentrated in megacities, leading to significant regional disparities in income and opportunities.
Using the map, describe the global distribution of megacities in 2011.
Using the map, describe the global distribution of megacities in 2011.
Award
- concentrated/largest number in Asia/Far East
- three in Africa / four in Latin America / few in USA/Europe
- mainly northern hemisphere / eastern hemisphere
- mainly coastal
- none in Oceania/Australasia.
Examine the success of sustainable city management strategies in at least one urban area.
Answers may include but are not limited to:
Examining the Success of Sustainable City Management Strategies in Curitiba, Brazil
Sustainable city management aims to balance economic growth, environmental protection, and social well-being. Curitiba, Brazil, is considered a model for sustainable urban development, with strategies focusing on public transport, green spaces, and waste management.
Key Sustainable City Management Strategies in Curitiba
-
Integrated Public Transport System
2 marks - Curitiba pioneered the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system, which uses dedicated lanes, express buses, and efficient routes to reduce congestion.
- Example: The BRT system serves over 2 million passengers daily, cutting traffic emissions by 30% compared to similar-sized cities.
- Effectiveness: Affordable and reduces car dependency, but population growth is increasing demand for metro rail expansion.
-
Green Spaces and Flood Management
2 marks - Over 28 parks and 50m² of green space per resident help absorb floodwaters and improve air quality.
- Example: Barigui Park doubles as a flood prevention zone, protecting the city from seasonal floods.
- Effectiveness: Increases climate resilience, but requires continuous investment in urban maintenance.
-
Waste Management and Recycling Programs
2 marks - The "Green Exchange Program" allows low-income residents to trade recyclable waste for food or transit tickets, encouraging sustainable habits.
- Example: Curitiba recycles 70% of its waste, significantly reducing landfill waste and pollution.
- Effectiveness: Highly cost-effective and inclusive, but relies on strong public participation.
Challenges and Limitations of Curitiba’s Strategies
-
Population Growth and Urban Sprawl
2 marks - Curitiba’s population has doubled since 1970, increasing demand for housing, infrastructure, and transport.
- Example: Rapid expansion has led to informal settlements on the city’s outskirts, where sustainability efforts are weaker.
- Effectiveness: Sustainable planning needs to expand to peripheral areas to accommodate growth.
-
Economic and Social Inequality
2 marks - While Curitiba has strong environmental policies, economic disparities persist, affecting access to services.
- Example: Some low-income residents still rely on informal transport, as BRT stations are not equally accessible across all neighborhoods.
- Effectiveness: Needs inclusive policies to ensure sustainability benefits all social groups.
Evaluation and Conclusion
Curitiba’s sustainable city management strategies have successfully improved transport, waste management, and environmental resilience, making it a global model for urban sustainability. However, population growth, inequality, and urban expansion pose challenges. Future strategies should prioritize affordable housing, transport equity, and expansion of green infrastructure to maintain sustainability.
Marking Guidance
1-2 marks : Basic identification of Curitiba’s sustainable strategies with minimal explanation. Limited or no examples.3-4 marks : Clear description of sustainability strategies, with some relevant examples. Limited discussion of challenges.5-6 marks : Detailed explanation of multiple strategies, supported by well-developed examples. Some discussion of long-term effectiveness and challenges.7-8 marks : Strong case study application using specific data and urban trends. Well-structured discussion linking economic, environmental, and social sustainability. Some critical evaluation of scalability and inclusivity.9-10 marks : Comprehensive analysis covering multiple dimensions of sustainable urban management. Detailed case study application incorporating specific statistics, policies, and future recommendations. Critical evaluation acknowledging both successes and limitations, and considering alternative strategies for future sustainability. Uses sophisticated geographical terminology and presents a well-structured, coherent argument throughout.
