“We will reach a point in the next years where we won’t have water for the population, nor for the industries or businesses”. This somber forecast by Alfonso Martinez Muñoz, Undersecretary of Natural Resources and Environmental Protection of the State of Nuevo León, has propelled a collaboration among a range of stakeholders in the city of Monterrey to come up with solutions to … [Read more...] about Monterrey: Climate-Smart Water Management
Community-based organizations: the first line of defense for project sustainability
Normally when designing operations at the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), we analyze the institutional capacity of the executing agency and corresponding national authorities in order to mitigate environmental and social risks. But, is it possible that we’re keeping local authorities and communities –who are the first to feel the impacts and to supervise mitigation … [Read more...] about Community-based organizations: the first line of defense for project sustainability
How Does Climate Change Affect Latin American and Caribbean Jobs?
Can climate change have an impact on Latin American and Caribbean jobs? Although they might seem as unrelated matters, the reality is that climate change has the potential to disrupt labor markets in the region both directly (through events such as floods, hurricanes, heat waves, and changes in precipitation patterns) and indirectly (through changes in regulations and policies … [Read more...] about How Does Climate Change Affect Latin American and Caribbean Jobs?
Climate Smart Cattle Farming. The Case of Uruguay
Cattle ranching has been put on the hot seat, accused mainly of greenhouse gas emissions, as well as its impact with respect to soil degradation on marginalized lands, and deforestation. On the other hand, the meat that comes from cattle ranchers can be part of a balanced diet, offering worthwhile nutritional benefits for overall health. According to the FAO, in order to … [Read more...] about Climate Smart Cattle Farming. The Case of Uruguay
Carnival, social capital, and better response to disaster risk
Every year before Lent, Carnival takes place—sadly for no more than just a few days. During the previous twelve months, communities self-organize to make sure that everything will work out perfectly. What we see as a show is the tip of the iceberg of an admirable collective effort towards a common goal. The schools of samba in Sao Paulo and the comparsas in Barranquilla and … [Read more...] about Carnival, social capital, and better response to disaster risk