The future of cities: From urban jungles to utopias

Cities have always been vibrant centers of life. They have been the birthplace of new ideas, the setting for important negotiations, and the cradle of unique cultural phenomena. Today, cities are developing at an astonishing pace, as if competing in a global race under the motto: “Faster, Higher, Stronger.” More than half of the world’s population lives in cities, and this number continues to grow.

At present, cities generate 80% of the world’s GDP. Like giant engines, they drive the economy, set trends in culture, science, and ecology. Cities play a crucial role in economics, innovation, and even social evolution.

Let’s first analyze why modern large cities have become financial magnets. Moscow, New York, London, Shanghai—these cities set the economic tone for the entire world. New York alone generates about 10% of the total U.S. GDP. Just one city—astonishing! Shanghai is the world’s largest port, handling nearly a quarter of global cargo shipments. These cities are no longer just populated areas; they have transformed into giant factories that process capital, ideas, and technologies.

What makes them special? The secret lies in economic geography. Historically, successful cities have always been located at major trade intersections—London sits on the River Thames, New York enjoys a strategic position by the Atlantic, Moscow occupies a key location in the heart of European Russia, and Singapore is at the crossroads of virtually all global trade routes.

This was the global order until technology emerged as a dominant force. Today, cities succeed not only due to their geographic location but also because of modern technology and human talent. A prime example is Silicon Valley, which has turned San Francisco into an innovation hub, attracting billions of dollars in venture capital investments.

At first glance, the structure of cities seems simple. There are districts where people live and work, with residential, commercial, and industrial zones. But what does the internal structure of cities really look like?

Mumbai is a striking example of such social contrast. In this megacity, the Dharavi district is situated right next to the headquarters of international corporations and elite skyscrapers. What’s most surprising is that the slums of Dharavi are far from complete devastation. They function as a self-sustaining economy with small businesses, shops, and workshops producing goods that are sold across the city. Yet, the stark social inequality is undeniable. The wealthy isolate themselves behind fences, security systems, and surveillance cameras, while slum dwellers live in conditions that many of us can hardly imagine.

Another example is Dubai—a city of stunning skyscrapers that emerged from the desert. Here, wealthy residents enjoy a life of luxury, while not far from them, ordinary workers live in conditions reminiscent of scenes from the film Metropolis. Urban segregation acts as a mirror, revealing just how far we still are from achieving ideal social harmony.

At the same time, some cities successfully tackle urban challenges—Singapore, Tokyo, and Copenhagen. Their urban models are meticulously planned, and their approaches to city design offer valuable insights into the future of megacities.

Green rooftops, vertical gardens, and advanced water and waste recycling systems are all essential for survival in such a dense urban environment. In addition, Singapore actively implements “smart city” technology—every building and structure is equipped with sensors that monitor energy and water consumption, as well as air quality. Despite its technological advancements, Singapore manages to preserve its historical and cultural identity. For example, districts like Chinatown and Little India maintain their unique cultural atmosphere while seamlessly integrating into the larger metropolis.

Tokyo remains one of the safest and most comfortable cities to live in due to strict law enforcement, high social discipline, and attention to detail. The Japanese show great respect for public spaces and diligently maintain order, even in the busiest areas.

But this is not its only achievement. Copenhagen aims to become the first carbon-neutral city in the world by 2025 and already generates 50% of its energy from renewable sources.

Each of these megacities has its own unique approach, but they all prioritize sustainability and environmental harmony. They rapidly evolve, transform their infrastructures, improve quality of life, and safeguard resources for future generations.

These are the cities worth emulating. But why emulate them when you can simply pack your bags and move there? Imagine a life where friendly strangers smile back at you, and even the little birds seem to be grinning, enjoying their perfect existence in these utopian megacities.

Millions of people move to cities in search of jobs, education, and better living conditions. Life in a megacity is associated with greater comfort and opportunities for personal and social development. However, in recent years, there has been a growing trend in China and Japan of people choosing to live outside major cities. As the saying goes, “It’s better to live at a slower pace with rosy cheeks than to compete endlessly with a pale face.”

Urban transportation systems can barely cope with the rising number of people. Traffic congestion is off the charts, making commutes long and frustrating.  

Housing availability lags behind population growth. Finding affordable housing in major cities is becoming increasingly difficult. Real estate prices continue to rise, making homeownership unattainable for many young people. In capital cities, rent often exceeds an entire month’s salary, forcing people to move to distant suburbs, which only adds further strain to transportation networks.

In recent decades, skyscrapers have become symbols of successful megacities. They rise into the sky to save space and showcase a city’s status. However, contrary to expectations, their efficiency is now being questioned.

First, maintaining skyscrapers is extremely expensive—it involves high energy consumption and complex technical upkeep. Second, with the growing popularity of remote work, many office buildings remain empty, turning into symbols of inefficient resource use. Once symbols of prestige and progress, skyscrapers are increasingly associated with overcrowded “ant colonies,” where people feel lost and overwhelmed.

Additionally, resources are becoming scarce. Water, energy, and even clean air require more rational distribution. In some cities, such as Cairo, the water supply is already overburdened, and frequent power outages occur during the hottest months. As megacities rapidly expand, they face the real threat of running out of basic resources.

The more people are concentrated in one place, the higher the chances of conflicts arising. Numerous studies indicate that densely populated cities tend to have higher crime rates than less populated areas. One such study, conducted by researchers at the University of Chicago, states that “high population density contributes to social conflicts, resource shortages, and rising unemployment, which, in turn, can lead to increased criminal activity.”

In developing countries, such as Karachi or Lagos, water supply systems often struggle to keep up with the growing population, leading to serious sanitation issues.

Megacities produce about 70% of all greenhouse gas emissions, literally drowning the planet. Paris and London are already taking serious measures by restricting car usage in city centers, but how effective is this? Even if we all suddenly switched to electric cars or even horses, smog and its consequences would not disappear overnight. It seems that the only solution to the environmental crisis is for governments to intervene and enforce new ecological regulations in cities.

Many urban development issues are directly linked to a lack of transparency in decision-making and how authorities manage resources. One city enthusiastically builds innovation parks and startup incubators, while another ends up with yet another empty shopping mall, constructed solely due to local government initiatives. This is not uncommon, as politics and corruption often hinder real progress.

Meanwhile, in the Netherlands, the first zero-carbon home was built in 2020. This means that the building does not pollute the air and operates solely on renewable energy sources like solar panels and wind turbines. Amsterdam has come up with an even more innovative solution—turning carbon dioxide into building materials. Truly impressive. In such cities, one gets the strong impression that environmental concerns are taken seriously, with real action being implemented.

In a world where speed and convenience are key factors, transportation plays a crucial role. In Amsterdam, people don’t part with their bicycles even in the rain. The city has long been a pioneer in integrating bike routes, with over 40% of all trips made by bicycle. Meanwhile, Tokyo is looking even further ahead. In addition to high-speed trains, the city is actively developing new public transport technologies, including autonomous trains and electric buses with zero carbon emissions, set to replace fossil fuel-powered alternatives in the coming years.

Shanghai is already preparing for the mass production of flying taxis, which will operate using propellers similar to drones.

And, of course, the most ambitious transportation project is Hyperloop—a system where passenger pods travel at incredible speeds through vacuum tubes, allowing people to move between cities in just minutes. This technology enables travel at over 1,000 km/h, making it the future of urban transportation. Some countries are already testing Hyperloop, believing it will fundamentally change how we perceive megacities. However, Elon Musk, who was actively developing this idea in the U.S., recently admitted defeat, saying, “We can’t do it yet… but maybe in 50 years.”

Today, many cities recognize the importance of transparency and citizen involvement in governance. Estonia, for example, has fully embraced the concept of e-government, allowing residents to vote online, participate in discussions on legislation, and submit ideas to improve urban infrastructure. This has streamlined bureaucratic processes and empowered citizens by giving them a real voice in shaping their cities. Estonia has proven that bureaucracy can be eliminated with the help of technology.

Moscow is also moving in this direction. The Active Citizen platform enables Muscovites to participate in voting, propose ideas for urban improvements, and even influence which projects get implemented. This large-scale community platform is designed for everyone who cares about their city. Such initiatives foster a sense of engagement and make urban life more dynamic and conscious.

Megacities, despite being local formations, are increasingly becoming players on the global stage, taking part in solving worldwide issues. A striking example of this is the Paris Agreement on Climate Change, where cities played a key role, demonstrating how urbanization and global efforts can be harmoniously united for the protection of our planet. Many megacities, including London, New York, and Copenhagen, have announced their goals to reduce carbon emissions and create sustainable urban ecosystems.

Los Angeles is actively investing in green infrastructure and transitioning to renewable energy sources. Megacities can collaborate with other cities, share experiences and technological solutions to create sustainable and environmentally friendly urban spaces. Instead of the usual political declarations that often get shelved, some cities are taking real steps that change the perception of urbanization and open new opportunities for international cooperation.

Despite their rapid urbanization and economic challenges, cities are increasingly becoming examples of inclusivity and equality. Helsinki, for instance, is actively implementing affordable housing programs, allowing people with different income levels to live in comfortable conditions without falling victim to skyrocketing market prices. Such projects improve the quality of life and create a sustainable social structure where every resident has equal opportunities for growth and development.

Giant anthill-like skyscrapers turn into isolated zones for the elite, while outside these glass fortresses, chaos and despair reign. People work around the clock because robotic systems—impossible to compete with—have taken over all jobs. Healthcare is only available to those who can afford it, and access to water or food becomes a privilege for the chosen few. Cities are designed only for those who manage to adapt to this new reality.

This is a vision of the future that could very well become our reality if we do not take action to change the course of events today.

Technology in such cities is invisible because everything is automated. Skyscrapers know when you need fresh food and order it directly to your table. There are no traffic jams because autonomous capsules pick you up on demand and take you anywhere. No one breathes exhaust fumes anymore because all transportation is electric, with some even running on solar power.

Cities exist in harmony with nature. Streets are lush with greenery, the air is clean, and pure drinking water flows from every tap. All energy comes from renewable sources, and waste is reduced to zero.

The social structure has also transformed. There are no longer poor and wealthy districts. Every resident is guaranteed basic housing, education, and access to healthcare. People can focus on creativity, science, and personal growth. The primary concern of city dwellers is no longer survival—cities are designed for living.

It sometimes seems that building a utopian city is impossible, as too many geopolitical factors must change for it to happen. So what future awaits us all? A bright one, if we change our approach to ecology and innovation—starting from our own streets. A bleak one, if we do nothing.

Any city can be torn down and rebuilt—history has seen such cases before. Or, it can simply be repainted in a different color.