In recent decades, the frequency and intensity of disasters have increased, posing significant threats to urban areas globally. Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC), particularly susceptible to these calamities, has experienced the devastating impacts of hurricanes, floods, earthquakes, extreme heat and wildfires, and other catastrophic events. LAC is the second-most … [Read more...] about Multi-hazard Early Warning Systems: A Lifeline for Latin American and Caribbean Cities
Alejandro López Lamia
Alejandro Javier López Lamia has been an Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) staff member for over 25 years. He is a Lead Specialist in the Housing and Urban Development Division (CSD/HUD). Throughout his tenure at the IDB, Alejandro has held various operational and strategic positions across the United States, Honduras, Ecuador, and Bolivia. He is the HUD Portfolio Coordinator at the IDB headquarters in Washington, DC. Before joining the IDB, Alejandro was a professor and researcher in Argentina. He completed most of his academic studies in Japan, supported by a scholarship from the Ministry of Education of that country. Alejandro holds a master’s and a Ph.D. in International Relations from Sophia University in Tokyo.
Gastronomy as a Catalyst for Urban Development
The link between gastronomy and urban development is fascinating, especially when culinary districts drive new urban trends and renewed socioeconomic, cultural, and environmental processes. Thus, gastronomy becomes more than a means of survival. It turns into the art of good eating and living. It is a common thread that weaves stories and identities, creating a colorful … [Read more...] about Gastronomy as a Catalyst for Urban Development
From Urban Jungles to Biodiversity Havens in Latin America and the Caribbean
Picture yourself stepping into the heart of the urban wilderness in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC), where towering skyscrapers and an array of new and old buildings stand tall amidst a cacophony of city sounds and frantic activities. From the busy streets of some metropolises such as Buenos Aires, Mexico City, or São Paulo to other vibrant capitals in the Caribbean like … [Read more...] about From Urban Jungles to Biodiversity Havens in Latin America and the Caribbean
The Promise and Risks of Artificial Intelligence in Latin America and the Caribbean’s Urban Development
Albert Einstein said: “the true sign of intelligence is not knowledge but imagination.” As artificial intelligence (AI) rapidly advances, it holds significant potential to revolutionize the housing and urban development (HUD) sector in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC). However, an important question arises: Are we intelligent enough to take full advantage of the … [Read more...] about The Promise and Risks of Artificial Intelligence in Latin America and the Caribbean’s Urban Development
Housing as Home: The Less Explored Side of Urban Development
As the saying goes, "Home is where the heart is.” In all cultures and throughout history, human beings have sought a home of their own, regardless of available resources and hardships. Researchers have found one of the oldest vestiges dating back to the Neolithic period in a Turkish city of 9,000 years old. The evolutionary process has turned us into skilled builders, … [Read more...] about Housing as Home: The Less Explored Side of Urban Development