State which megacity is predicted to grow most rapidly.

Describe the global distribution of the megacities listed in the table.

Using examples, explain why some large urban areas have much higher population growth rates than others.

“Sustainable strategies in cities can only succeed when cities have zero population growth.” Using examples, discuss this statement.

Lagos (Nigeria).

Award [1 mark] for each statement made, up to [3 marks].

A listing, with no attempt to identify any pattern or overall distribution, may not be awarded more than [1 mark].

For example:

• there are many more (more than twice as many) megacities in Asia than in any other continent
• North America and South America each have three megacities
• Africa and Europe have fewer megacities than any other continent
• most megacities are in lower income countries.

Other valid distributional statements may be made.

Population growth in large urban areas is a result of (a) net migration and (b) natural population change. As a guideline, award up to [2 marks] for comments about in-migration, [2 marks] for comments about natural increase and [2 marks] for using valid examples. This balance may be adjusted for responses which are stronger on one component than the other.

For the full [6 marks] both components of population growth should be included alongside valid examples of urban areas with different rates of population growth.

Candidates are expected to have studied examples of management strategies of housing provision, pollution control and controlling in-migration. In each case they are expected to be able to take an evaluative approach. They may use any or all of these to help support their answer.

In general, population growth in cities tends to negate the positive benefits of strategies designed to improve sustainability. Sustainable strategies attempt to alter numerous aspects of a city’s system, so that, for example, energy and resource usage are reduced, waste disposal is reduced, green sources of energy are encouraged, air pollution is controlled and socially sustainable housing is readily available.

An answer which only considers sustainable strategies, for example Curitiba, without reference to population growth, should be limited to the C/D boundary.

Answers reaching band E are expected to consider how population growth tends to negate the benefits of sustainable strategies, and show some attempt at evaluation.

At band F there should be a well balanced attempt at evaluation.

Marks should be allocated according to the markbands.