Cities are both the largest contributors to greenhouse gas emissions and the most vulnerable to climate impacts, making them key to mitigating and adapting to the climate crisis. Staying below the 1.5°C global warming limit is still possible, but the coming years are crucial. It will require the involvement of a multitude of stakeholders, complex actions and a high level of … [Read more...] about Strengthening Cooperation for Climate-Resilient Urban Futures
Roberto Madera-Arends
Roberto Madera-Arends is a member of the Cities Lab team within the Housing and Urban Development Division of the IDB, where he collaborates on urban innovation projects aimed at integrating resilience to climate change, circular economy, and biodiversity into everyday urban planning and development practices. He has experience in environmental monitoring, citizen participation, and research; he worked for the Metropolitan District of Quito, incorporating climate change and sustainable mobility policies into urban development regulations. Roberto holds a degree in Environmental Engineering from the SEK International University of Ecuador and a Master's in Urban Environmental Management from Wageningen University in the Netherlands.
How to identify heat islands in cities? Discover URSA, the new intelligent software from the IDB
Walking is one of the most recommended physical activities by doctors, especially for those who do not engage in much exercise. However, doing so in the summer on the streets of cities, especially in their central areas, can be a dangerous task for certain groups. Who hasn't suddenly felt the effects of a heatstroke? The heat in cities is not only present in their central … [Read more...] about How to identify heat islands in cities? Discover URSA, the new intelligent software from the IDB
Citizen-led Urbanism: Another way to create cities
In recent years, a new approach to urban planning has been gaining ground around the world: citizen-led urbanism. This concept is based on the idea that cities should be designed and developed taking into account the needs and aspirations of their inhabitants. Rather than being a process led exclusively by experts and planners, citizen-led urbanism empowers the community to … [Read more...] about Citizen-led Urbanism: Another way to create cities
World Hunger Day: How and why should we integrate urban agriculture into city planning?
Four out of ten Latin Americans and Caribbeans live in food insecurity, that is, they lack regular access to food. The pandemic, and the war in Ukraine, have sharply pushed back already poor malnutrition rates. Transforming agrifood systems will be the main strategy for ensuring food security in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC). However, the planning of our cities can play … [Read more...] about World Hunger Day: How and why should we integrate urban agriculture into city planning?
Reviving neighborhoods through Tactical Urbanism strategies
How would you describe the space located under an elevated highway? What feelings or perceptions come to your mind? You probably associate this type of urban space with words like "darkness", "insecurity" or "dirt". It is also possible that it does not generate any sense of identity or belonging, and you do not feel like sitting down to talk with your friends or play with … [Read more...] about Reviving neighborhoods through Tactical Urbanism strategies