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 Double Trouble: Natural Disasters and Environmental Pollution
Sustainable development
Between 1950 and 2014, Latin America and the Caribbean urbanized at an unprecedented rate, increasing its urban population from 50 to 80 percent (as a percentage of the total); a figure that is expected to reach 86 percent by 2050. On the other hand, Latin American cities are extremely vulnerable to extreme weather events, droughts and floods: three-quarters of Latin Americans live in low-lying coastal areas. How to promote sustainable urban development? Learn more by reading our blog and downloading this publication.
The Metropolitan and beyond: Navigating Governance, Scale and Complexity in Latin America and the Caribbean
Globally, the scale and pace of urbanization have transformed the structure of territorial governance into the complex realm of metropolitan governance. In Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC), urbanization has profoundly reshaped cities, necessitating new forms of metropolitan governance. With over 80% of the population residing in urban areas—outpacing Europe and far ahead … [Read more...] about The Metropolitan and beyond: Navigating Governance, Scale and Complexity in Latin America and the Caribbean
Climate Equity in Cities: Governance, Gender and Urban Resilience
The Division of Housing and Urban Development organized three webinars to understand better the opportunities and challenges associated with subnational climate action. The second meeting of the series, held on March 27th, focused on the crucial theme of climate equity in cities, addressing governance, gender, and urban resilience. This gathering brought together experts and … [Read more...] about Climate Equity in Cities: Governance, Gender and Urban Resilience
Driving Climate Action: Multilevel Coordination in Latin American and Caribbean Cities
The Housing and Urban Development Division organized three webinars to support cities in their efforts to understand the opportunities and challenges of subnational climate action in the fight against climate change and in achieving national and global goals and commitments. Our first webinar, held on March 20th, delved into the crucial role of multilevel collaboration in … [Read more...] about Driving Climate Action: Multilevel Coordination in Latin American and Caribbean Cities
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