The way our cities are designed and planned significantly impacts our quality of life. Whether we are aware of it or not, factors such as commute time, access to parks and green areas, availability of schools, and pedestrian zones all contribute to our well-being. So, why not leverage all available means to enhance our cities? At the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), we … [Read more...] about URSA: A Tool to Guide Urban Planning with Satellite Data
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.
Monitoring the city with drones: Artificial Intelligence in environmental management
When we talk about artificial intelligence, we often think of it as a revolutionary and novel concept that has just arrived in our lives. However, this term was first used almost seventy years ago, in 1955 to be more precise, by John McCarthy in a workshop at Dartmouth University in the United States. Nevertheless, it is in the last decade that we have witnessed a true … [Read more...] about Monitoring the city with drones: Artificial Intelligence in environmental management
2023 World Cities Day: the Amazonian Cities Forum and its role in the sustainable development of the region
On the occasion of World Cities Day, celebrated on October 31st, we want to shed light on a relatively lesser-known and explored facet of urban life in the region: Amazonian cities. While the Amazon is renowned as the world's largest rainforest, it's often overlooked that it's also home to a highly urbanized population. The majority of its people reside in towns, settlements, … [Read more...] about 2023 World Cities Day: the Amazonian Cities Forum and its role in the sustainable development of the region
How to finance a Transit-Oriented Development?
In urban planning, Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) is a type of urban development that maximizes the amount of residential, commercial, and recreational space within walking distance of public transportation. In doing so, TOD promotes the use of public transportation and discourages the use of private automobiles, promoting sustainable urban growth. How to distinguish a … [Read more...] about How to finance a Transit-Oriented Development?
Towards a Sustainable Future: Climate Action in Latin American and Caribbean Cities
Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) must get ready to face the serious consequences of climate change. With 81% of its population residing in urban areas, cities are at the forefront line to play a leading role in climate action. Why is this so important? Around 70% of the region's greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions are generated in urban areas and almost 80% of disaster losses … [Read more...] about Towards a Sustainable Future: Climate Action in Latin American and Caribbean Cities