The relocation of Myanmar’s capital city seeks to tackle urban issues in the previous capital while boosting economic growth in the new site. Despite these lofty goals, a detailed analysis reveals that the economic detriments faced by the former capital far surpass the gains of the new one. Moreover, the switch has not effectively curbed urban sprawl or reduced air pollution in the old capital, leaving pressing issues unresolved.
Access to crucial data for this study is widely available, including the DMSP-OLS Nighttime Lights Time Series from NOAA, ESA’s Climate Change Initiative Land Cover products, and resources from NASA and Oak Ridge National Laboratory. Essential shapefiles can be sourced from DIVA-GIS and geoBoundaries, while processed datasets are shared through GitHub for transparency.
The empirical investigations relied on StataSE 18, with all coding scripts accessible on GitHub. Additionally, various studies and reports shed light on past city relocations, urban dynamics, and regional economic factors, enriching the analysis and pointing to broader implications noted in several academic sources.
Myanmar’s capital city relocation aimed to alleviate urban challenges and foster economic growth, but findings indicate significant economic losses in the former capital overshadow any immediate benefits in the new city. Furthermore, issues like urban sprawl and air pollution continue to plague the old capital even post-relocation, showcasing the intricate dynamics at play in such transitions.
In summary, the economic shift brought on by Myanmar’s capital relocation highlights the extensive challenges faced by former capitals. Although intended to remedy urban malaise and stimulate new growth, the negative economic impacts overshadow initial gains in the new area. Furthermore, the persistent urban sprawl and air quality concerns remain largely unaddressed, reminding us of the complexities involved in such substantial city relocations.
Original Source: www.nature.com
