Megacity development and the inherent risks and opportunities for humans and the environment is a theme of growing urgency in the 21st century. Focusing on Latin America where urbanization is most advanced, this book studies the complexity of a ‘mega-urban system’ and explores interrelations between sectors and issues by providing an in-depths study of one particular city, Santiago de Chile. The book attempts to (i) focus on the emergence of risk in megacities by analyzing risk elements, (ii) evaluate the extent and severity of risks, (iii) develop strategies to cope with adverse risks, and (iv) to guide urban development by combining concepts with empirical evidence. Drawing on the work of an interdisciplinary and international consortium of academic and professional partners, the book is written for scholars in cross-cutting areas of urban, sustainability, hazard, governance and planning research as well as practitioners from local, regional and international organizations. Front Matter....Pages i-xxvi Front Matter....Pages 1-1 Introduction: Megacities in Latin America as Risk Habitat....Pages 3-17 Megacities in Latin America: Role and Challenges....Pages 19-35 Front Matter....Pages 37-37 Mechanisms of Systematic Risk Production....Pages 39-63 Sustainable Urban Development in Santiago de Chile: Background – Concept – Challenges....Pages 65-86 Megacity Governance: Concepts and Challenges....Pages 87-108 Front Matter....Pages 109-109 Earthquake Risks: Hazard Assessment of the City of Santiago de Chile....Pages 111-126 Land-Use Change, Risk and Land-Use Management....Pages 127-154 Socio-spatial Differentiation: Drivers, Risks and Opportunities....Pages 155-181 Energy Systems....Pages 183-205 Santiago 2030: Perspectives on the Urban Transport System....Pages 207-227 Air Quality and Health: A Hazardous Combination of Environmental Risks....Pages 229-250 Risks and Opportunities for Sustainable Management of Water Resources and Services in Santiago de Chile....Pages 251-278 Municipal Solid Waste Management in Santiago de Chile: Challenges and Perspectives towards Sustainability....Pages 279-301 Front Matter....Pages 303-303 How Sustainable is Santiago?....Pages 305-326 Dealing with Risks: A Governance Perspective on Santiago de Chile....Pages 327-351 Synthesis: An Integrative Perspective on Risks in Megacities....Pages 353-363
