How megacities are changing the map of the world | Parag Khanna

"I want you to reimagine how life is organized on earth," says global strategist Parag Khanna. As our expanding cities grow ever more connected through transportation, energy and communications networks, we evolve from geography to what he calls "connectography." This emerging global network civilization holds the promise of reducing pollution and inequality — and even overcoming geopolitical rivalries. In this talk, Khanna asks us to embrace a new maxim for the future: "Connectivity is destiny."

TEDTalks is a daily video podcast of the best talks and performances from the TED Conference, where the world's leading thinkers and doers give the talk of their lives in 18 minutes (or less). Look for talks on Technology, Entertainment and Design -- plus science, business, global issues, the arts and much more.

[Gsentrick]

“When goods don't cross borders, soldiers will” ~ Frederic Bastiat

[Razzlion]

Functional geography over Political geography. My new favorite phrase.

[Mcliam]

Australia really isn't getting invited to this party.

[billyneville]

Finally someone who gives me some optimism for the future!

[liamdavis]

Odd that he barely spent any time speaking about Western Europe, even though that's by far the most interconnected part of the world.

[aaronmclaughlin]

he's a good storyteller and a good salesman. The irony is that we are more connected than we have ever been yet we don't even make eye contact with the person next to us on the trains he speaks of because were staring at our phone instead.

[theonetheonlydeganthevegan]

Gives me hope for a better future. Loved the ''North America needs more connection than walls''

[ammmarameen]

Awesome talk, one interconnected society is a dream of mine and many others, and to see Mr. Khanna talk about connectivity between mega-cities really gives me hope that my dream is achievable in the future.

[MrBloodySpirit]

He wants to sound so epic that his voice sounds so weirdly intense, it kind of creeps me out.

[Kongolox]

change play speed to 1.25

many ted talkers are talking slowly for some reason..

[kotharikamal]

Superb talk filled with positivity and enthusiasm. Deserved a standing ovation.

[GCOMradio_Lyfeblood]

Fantastic speech! This IS our destiny. We must realize the global community and start building the bridges that will connect all of us. We must do this. We will do this.Thanks, Mr. Khanna

[kateapples]

Throw a few more obvious buzzwords in there why don't you. Decent talk either way though.

[srinivasanraghunathan]

Asserting the importance to functional geography over political geography, the thinker, strategist Parag Khanna gives a riveting talk about the evolution of mega city clusters across the globe. It's very exciting, informative and thoroughly researched and persuasively presented scholarly work. Highly recommended to everyone.

[endoftheroad]

I would love to live 1000 years and see the heights the human civilization will reach... a planetary civilization with it's eyes towards the stars.

[mariechantaldassanou]

I am definitely part of this by choice. This is the manifestation of the Oneness we all originate from. Brilliantly presented. Bravo !

[scrwbll]

The problem with his viewpoint is that it ignores all sorts of socio-political realities in favor of a one-world economy. He also distorts the facts on the ground to fit his agenda. While I agree that connectivity can build relationships, it must be done without sacrificing identity.

[zhabiz]

Because a country has so many alies (which isn't a bad thing), when ever there is tension with another country, many other countries join in to help either side. Today, rivalry between two countries is always called the next world war, because of how a country is connected and supported by others. I really like this connectivity idea and hope it dosnt lead to a major war between several countries just because two countries have rivalry

[susanreimers]

I am so relieved to see that people are speaking about the power of urbanization as a tool to curb population growth (by empowering women with eduction and family planning), addressing climate change (through the efficient use of energy resources) and easing conflict. It's an optimistic message for a planet sliding into climate change and the millions that are already being displaced by rising seas and water shortages. I hope the Coronavirus pandemic hasn't interrupted this hopeful path into the future.

[kguys]

Excellent Excellent Excellent. Parag is insightful, engaging and most importantly in distributing the facts about our world today and in the future he outlines how we can solve our collective issues through urbanization and connectivity. After all, we're all in this together. Megacities are just a fascinating concept, pleasure to have someone do the topic justice. One of the best TED Talks I've seen, certainly the best this year.