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?
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.
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
How to Finance Climate Action in Cities? Effective and Innovative Instruments for Latin America and the Caribbean
In the Housing and Urban Development Division of the IDB, we have organized the webinar series "Cities in Latin America and the Caribbean as Catalysts for Climate Action Post-COP28" to support municipalities in the region in understanding the opportunities and challenges of climate change management in the urban agenda, delving into aspects of governance, gender and equity, and … [Read more...] about How to Finance Climate Action in Cities? Effective and Innovative Instruments for Latin America and the Caribbean
Cities in Latin America and the Caribbean as Catalysts for Climate Action Post-COP28
The cities of Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) face enormous challenges and opportunities. Two-thirds of the Latin American population reside in cities of at least of 20,000 inhabitants and 81% live in urban areas. By 2050, it's projected that over 86% of the region's population will be urban dwellers. In terms of challenges, LAC cities are responsible for around 70% of … [Read more...] about Cities in Latin America and the Caribbean as Catalysts for Climate Action Post-COP28