The rapid urbanization process observed in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC), during the last decades has posed multiple challenges to the region and caused great contrasts in the quality of life within cities. Today, more than 80% of LAC’s population lives in cities, and approximately 27% of the urban population still lives in informal settlements without proper access to … [Read more...] about Shaping Smart Cities in Latin America and the Caribbean
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.
Inclusive cities: 4 examples of urban productivity through gender equality
The process of urbanization in Latin America—the most urbanized region on the planet—has had both positive and negative effects. On one hand, the effects of agglomeration in cities such as the concentration of employment opportunities, the diversification of human capital, and massive investment in infrastructure and public services have improved the quality of life of urban … [Read more...] about Inclusive cities: 4 examples of urban productivity through gender equality
10 Platforms to Monitor Hurricanes and Disasters in Cities
As the world’s population becomes increasingly concentrated in cities, we are witnessing the urbanization of disasters. Hurricanes Florence, Maria and Irma and recent earthquakes in Ecuador, Haiti, and Mexico all underscore urban risk. And smaller scale events like fires and floods can have disproportionately large impacts in cities given high population … [Read more...] about 10 Platforms to Monitor Hurricanes and Disasters in Cities
Informality – the Essence of Cities of the South. Reflections from the 8th Caribbean Urban Forum and a Shout-out to Anthony Bourdain
Informality is not irrationality! This was my main take-away from the recently concluded 8th Caribbean Urban Forum held in Kingston, Jamaica. The theme was forming the informal, a deliberate deviation from the more conventional prescription of formalizing the informal. Narratives of the resourcefulness and resilience of Caribbean communities in the face of very challenging … [Read more...] about Informality – the Essence of Cities of the South. Reflections from the 8th Caribbean Urban Forum and a Shout-out to Anthony Bourdain
IDB Cities Lab: multiplying urban innovation in Latin America and the Caribbean
With more than 80% of its population living in cities, Latin America is one of the most urbanized regions in the world. Never before have so many people lived in urban centers and never before has it been so necessary to improve the way we understand, plan and manage cities as collective human projects. The increased scale and number of cities bring a whole array of new … [Read more...] about IDB Cities Lab: multiplying urban innovation in Latin America and the Caribbean