COVID-19 could reset cities for the better

By Robert Muggah

Published in IFHP

The COVID-19 pandemic is a profoundly urban crisis. The vast majority of the millions of reported cases worldwide are concentrated in overcrowded neighbourhoods and informal settlements. The virus – and government efforts to contain it – is testing virtually every city system to their breaking point. In the short term, it is disrupting basic services – from health and education to public transport and water and sanitation. In the longer term, it is exacerbating existing challenges such as unemployment, poverty and inequality.

From Miami to Mumbai, the virus and government lockdowns are deepening the fissures and fault lines that strafe cities. Regardless of a city’s economic development, a disproportionate share of COVID-19-related infections and fatalities are clustered among the most vulnerable residents, especially lower-income, minority, elderly, migrant households. The disease is a grim reminder of how economic geography is more important than physical geography in determining health outcomes.

Read more

Pesquisa

Gostaríamos de conhecer mais sobre você, para que o nosso site seja cada vez mais útil e acessível. Para isso, preparamos 4 perguntas simples para você responder, sem precisar se identificar. Agradecemos sua participação!

Qual a sua principal área de atuação?
Quais temas da atuação do Igarapé interessam mais a você?
Qual o motivo da sua visita?
Se é a primeira vez que nos visita, como você chegou ao nosso site?

The Igarapé Institute uses cookies and other similar technologies to improve your experience, in accordance with our Privacy Policy and our Terms of Use, and by continuing to browse, you agree to these conditions.

Skip to content