What's happening?

The year is 2030. It is a normal winter's day in TokyoJapan's capital city.. There are no cars. The buses are gone. Locals walk and cycle. They are holding baskets with their shopping: bread from the bakery, vegetables from the greengrocers. Later, they might stroll around the corner to meet their friends for hot chocolate.

This has not happened yet. But it might soon.

A megacity is a city with more than 10 million people. At the moment, there are 29 megacities around the world.

But they are not perfect. For people living there, food shops can be more than 20 minutes away. People are lucky if they live near a park. Lots of children have to get the bus or drive to school.

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And megacities are bad for the environmentThe natural world.. In Los AngelesA city in California, USA. It is known for one of its districts - Hollywood, home of the US film industry., people drive more than they use trains and buses. Some roads around the city have as many as six lanes.

Using cars to get around leads to pollutionWhen harmful or dangerous things are put into the environment. . In DelhiThe capital of India. By some estimates, Delhi is the second-largest city in the world., schools have had to close because of the dangerous smog in the air.

Now, there is a plan to make 15-minute cities. They will be made up of lots of different sections. Each section will have everything you need: shops, doctors, schools and cafes.

Yes! Cities are too big and difficult to live in. If everyone lives in a 15-minute city, we will have a happier life and help the planet.

No! Cities are big for a reason. They are places for people to get together. We need them for theatres, hospitals, universities and tourist attractions.