For decades, air quality indices in Bogotá and Medellín were not as positive as those presented between March and May 2020, following the mandatory confinement ordered by the government to face COVID-19. Caused by increasing air pollution from emissions from traffic and industrial and productive activities, the constant red, orange and violet alerts had become almost … [Read more...] about Cleaner air helps create sustainable cities in Colombia
Can nature support a green and inclusive economic recovery?
During the pandemic crisis nature suddenly feels much closer. Many of us regularly hear a symphony of birdsong from our make-shift offices at home while local parks are proving to be lifeline for our mental and physical health. As countries plan to ease lockdowns, parks and urban green spaces may be among the first places where people meet again and will be important to … [Read more...] about Can nature support a green and inclusive economic recovery?
The bicycle can propel us towards a more sustainable and inclusive future post-pandemic
June 3 is World Bicycle Day, an invention almost 200 years old that has added inestimable value to the world. During the coronavirus pandemic, the bicycle represents an unmatched rival to permit a more hygienic way to move around, contribute to a sustainable recovery of the economy, and support the transformation of urban transport towards decarbonization via a just … [Read more...] about The bicycle can propel us towards a more sustainable and inclusive future post-pandemic
What is in the soil, stays in the soil: Conserving carbon in our soils to transform food systems
By Juan Pablo Bonilla, Manager of the IDB's Climate Change and Sustainable Development Sector and Ana María Loboguerrero, Head of Global Policy Research at CCAFS. Preventing the expansion of agricultural land into high-carbon landscapes is one of the actions to reduce emissions in food systems. We are in a time of crisis and great uncertainty. COVID-19, besides being … [Read more...] about What is in the soil, stays in the soil: Conserving carbon in our soils to transform food systems
How can green bonds help to build resilience after COVID-19?
The coronavirus crisis is severely testing the resilience of Latin America and the Caribbean economies and health care systems. At the same time, LAC is extremely vulnerable to climate risks and disasters such as floods, the spread of disease and loss of infrastructure. Governments’ fiscal space is currently being squeezed considerably following weak economic growth combined … [Read more...] about How can green bonds help to build resilience after COVID-19?