Urbanization in poor countries is caused by longer life expectancy. As people are living longer, more people are moving into the larger towns and cities in search of more opportunities for jobs, education, and medical care. Others come in search of the modern conveniences of electricity, running water, and indoor plumbing that are more prevalent in the larger towns and cities. (Macionis, 2006)
Mexico City is one such "megacity" that is experiencing the large growth of urbanization. Some complications of this overgrowth are the increased need for food, water supply, energy, and sanitation. Olli (2006) states that rapid growth in Mexico City has initiated a reduced quality of life, because the city is overcrowded and experiencing massive pollution and water shortages; there is no plan for managing water resources, and heavy rains cause rivers to become sewers, exposing the poor people to health problems. Economist (1999) states that "Mexico city's air is famously filthy" (p 4).
It is predicted that urban populations will near 5 billion worldwide by the year 2025 and most of this urbanization will occur in developing countries. From 1985 to 2025, the population of Mexico City is expected to nearly triple in populations. This trend is echoed in 8 other cities. Clearly, there need to be steps taken to improve living condition and slow the migration of rural populations into these "megacities" if living conditions are to be returned to humanitarian states.
References
Economist. (1999). The end of urban man? Care to bet? Millenium Special Edition, 353:8151, Millennium issue p 25-26. .
Macionis, J. J. (2006). Society: The basics (8th ed.). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson Prentice Hall.
Olli, V. (2006). Megacities: Development and water. International Journal of Water Resources Development, 22:2, p 199-225.
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