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
Emerging cities
Latin America and the Caribbean is the second most urbanized region on the planet, with 8 out of 10 people living in cities. Between 1950 and 2014, the region was urbanized at an unprecedented rate, its urban population increased from 50 to 80 percent (as a percentage of the total); a figure that is expected to reach 86 percent in 2050. Moreover, regional economic growth was mainly developed in medium-sized cities, which are expanding exponentially. How to accompany the growth of these cities? Learn more by reading our blog and downloading this publication.
Urban Waste Management for Cleaner Cities: Towards a Circular Economy in LAC
Urban waste management in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) is a critical challenge for sustainable development. As populations and consumption continue to rise, so does the volume of solid waste, leading to environmental and social issues that directly affect cities. Managing solid waste is not only a logistical challenge but also a key strategy in combating climate … [Read more...] about Urban Waste Management for Cleaner Cities: Towards a Circular Economy in LAC
Recycling, Composting, and Air Quality: What’s Happening in Our Cities?
Cities in Latin America and the Caribbean are grappling with severe pollution problems due to inadequate waste management and poor air quality. In 2021, the region generated 230 million tons of municipal solid waste, half of which was not properly managed, leading to uncontrolled landfills and methane emissions (Alarcón, et al., 2023). Air quality is particularly alarming in … [Read more...] about Recycling, Composting, and Air Quality: What’s Happening in Our Cities?
Ten Ideas to Improve Urban Resilence
Climate change is increasing the magnitude and frequency of extreme events, contributing to the idea of environmental threats as a third dimension to the famous saying “nothing is certain but death and taxes”. These catastrophes affect cities' fiscal capacities, burdening municipal revenues and ultimately imposing higher taxes and painful austerity. Mayors end up being in the … [Read more...] about Ten Ideas to Improve Urban Resilence
Informal Neighborhoods: The Dual Problem of Natural Disasters and Environmental Pollution
One in five urban households in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) lives in an informal settlement, and two-thirds of people migrating to LAC urban areas settle in these neighborhoods (Inter-American Development Bank, 2021). These residents often have low and unstable incomes, with households led by women, Indigenous people, Afro-descendants, and people with disabilities … [Read more...] about Informal Neighborhoods: The Dual Problem of Natural Disasters and Environmental Pollution