The project has also received criticisms for its lack of transparency in its contract bidding process. Critics also worry the profit sharing agreements grant Chinese firms excessive control over profitable developments, potentially resulting in a “debt trap.”

Currently, New Yangon and Yangon are only connected by a ferry across the river that separates them, which may discourage and complicate movement of people and firms to the new city.

Furthermore, former farmers will be given property in jobs of manufacturing and receive vocational training to help them secure opportunities. If these promises are fulfilled, I believe they will set New Yangon City apart from many other similar projects.

This is hindered by the fact that these governments themselves often want a reproduction of successful Chinese cities on their own land; a “Shanghai” or “Hong Kong” of their own, all while looking down on local expertise. This may cause the stagnation or eventual failure of their projects.

I think it's interesting how many projects China has taken on throughout the world, presumably to test their technologies and access new markets. However, being able to consider and adapt to the different social and economic environments of these diverse countries will be key to success.

Additionally, the project is meant to address West Sydney's historically low access to economic opportunity- housing units will need to be kept affordable if the city wants to fulfill this objective. Unfortunately, the project's promotional efforts so far emphasize prestige and luxury.

One of the biggest risks is the area's exposure to high temperatures. It would be interesting to see it's “hi-tech” elements used to create credible, and detailed, commitments to making the city resilient to climate change, rather than smart-home luxuries that merely promote speculation.

I agree, I think one consistently overlooked factor is how important it is to be close to people; both through seeing people on the street and interacting with strangers, but also through being well-connected to urban centers like Seoul to see your loved ones and friends.

Also, what the hell does it mean to power a city through a nearby volcano?

Interesting concept, seems like the project relies on key tech actors buying in and setting up operations in Bitcoin City, the likes of which the article can't seem to name. I'm sure the blank fields next to budget, completion date and built area will inspire confidence in potential investors.

The article outlines three possible outcomes for the project: an expensive, debt-laden effort to complete Dholera, a scaled-down version that bears little resemblance to its glossy renderings, or the eventual abandonment of the project altogether.

The project has also provoked widespread local protests over environmental and social impacts, with farmers and activists pointing out several instances of misinformation and factual misrepresentation emerging in official communications.

Developers are learning more sophisticated advertising tactics that mimic accountability, but don't reference external audits, independent analysis, or acknowledge risk. In reality, the project's success depends on industrial/transport clusters, and major anchor investments have yet to be realized.

After seeing other Mega-projects like Yachay City of Knowledge fabricate entire companies to maintain the illusion of sound financial backing, I would not put it beyond Dholera to similarly fabricate accounts from “experts” to attract investment.

Egypt also seems awfully preoccupied with using the project for legacy building. The city intends to have the tallest skyscraper, as well as the largest stadium and Mosque in Africa. The article points out how a fraction of this spending would suffice to alleviate housing shortages in Cairo.

One central justification is that of relieving pressure from over-population in Cairo through affordable housing. The past 2 “city” projects Egypt has created now serve as gated suburbs with high vacancy rates. Given the new capital's smart city and high-tech marketing, its fate may be similar.

The default risk of this project seems immense. It relies on a sustained growth in aviation and tourism for Ethiopia. The “city” elements, such as hotels and retail, are meant to help finance the airport itself, but erecting infrastructure does not automatically create economic vitality.

What it really looks like is a resort for the wealthy, not a home for people actually threatened by rising seas. Sustainability and net-zero are just sleek buzzwords used to market expensive projects to struggling coastal nations while pricing out the very communities that need the most protection.

The project is sold as a fix for climate change, a floating city that promises “sustainability built into its foundation.” Supposedly, it’s a model that can be replicated anywhere, in any climate, but much of the plan centers around hotels, leisure spaces, and glossy “world-class” facilities.