2070 Megacities

By 2070, the world’s megacities—urban areas with populations exceeding 10 million—have evolved into sprawling, interconnected hubs of innovation, culture, and resilience. Cities like Lagos, Dhaka, and Kinshasa have surged past traditional giants such as Tokyo and New York, reflecting rapid population growth in Africa and South Asia. Lagos, once a coastal city plagued by congestion, has transformed into a vertical metropolis with advanced flood management systems, while Dhaka, historically challenged by density and climate risks, now boasts elevated neighborhoods and green infrastructure. In contrast, Tokyo and Shanghai, after peaking in the mid-21st century, have seen stabilized or even declining populations due to aging demographics and shifting migration patterns. Meanwhile, São Paulo and Jakarta have leveraged smart technologies to manage their swelling populations, blending historic districts with futuristic urban planning. The histories of these megacities reveal a trajectory from industrial expansion to adaptive, sustainable growth, shaped by waves of migration, technological revolutions, and the urgent need to address climate change and resource scarcity.

Data from UN World Urbanization Prospects