The challenge of sustainable housing in Latin America and the Caribbean

The 3rd Regional Housing Forum 2024 is a crucial opportunity to redefine the housing landscape in Latin America and the Caribbean and explore disruptive innovation that would be worth implementing for better care of the vulnerable population. In this context, there is a central issue that we should all be talking about: sustainable and resilient housing in the face of the threats of climate change and natural disasters. In the Latin America and Caribbean region, the housing deficit is a reality exacerbated by the increasing pressure of extreme weather events. In recent events such as the flooding in Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, which affected 200 thousand homes and left 423 thousand people displaced, or the intense storms in Chile that destroyed homes and left people isolated, the urgency of rethinking the approach towards more resilient housing solutions is evident. Climate change not only jeopardizes the most vulnerable communities but also underscores the need to adapt existing infrastructure and build new homes that can withstand changing weather conditions. In this scenario, it is crucial to explore alternative solutions that strengthen resilience and sustainability in the housing sector. One key strategy to address the housing deficit in Latin America and the Caribbean is the retrofitting of existing homes. This practice involves improving and renovating current housing structures to make them more resistant to extreme events and natural disasters, as well as more energy-efficient. By reinforcing structural connections, improving energy efficiency, and promoting the use of resistant materials, the safety of homes can be increased and their environmental impact reduced. For example, the My Safe Florida Home Program in the United States offers free inspections to assess the vulnerability of homes to hurricanes, providing improvement recommendations that can mitigate potential storm damage. This initiative demonstrates how retrofitting can contribute not only to home safety but also to reducing greenhouse gas emissions by avoiding the construction of new structures. Another important strategy is urban densification, which involves developing vacant land within cities instead of expanding into new areas. This approach helps reduce car dependency, revitalize local economies, preserve scarce land, and improve the quality of life for residents by creating more sustainable and resilient neighborhoods. Densification can also contribute to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and increasing urban resilience to climate risks. In Latin America and the Caribbean, where over 110 million people live in informal settlements, land tenure security is essential for community resilience and sustainability. Ensuring clear land ownership rights not only provides stability to residents but also encourages investment in housing improvements and facilitates access to financing and support programs. Land tenure formalization is crucial for building strong communities prepared to face future challenges. In this context, collaboration between governments, the private sector, and communities is essential to implement sustainable and resilient housing solutions in Latin America and the Caribbean. The focus on green and climate-adapted housing is not only an urgent need but also an opportunity to create jobs, foster innovation, and improve the quality of life for millions of people in the region. It is time to work together to build a safer, more sustainable, and resilient housing future for all.