The article highlights the impact of the 2022 New Mexico wildfires, which were exacerbated by mishandled controlled burns by the US Forest Service. Climate activist Esperanza “Sole” García, with roots in Northern New Mexico, emphasizes the importance of traditional adobe homes and community-driven solutions to environmental challenges. Despite government financial assistance, García argues for more proactive engagement with local communities to prevent such disasters. Her work in architecture focuses on preserving local culture and promoting sustainable building practices as a form of grassroots innovation.

The labor market in Latin America and the Caribbean has not kept pace with global economic transformations, resulting in stagnant job quality and persistent gender disparities. Despite modest improvements in some countries, the region faces low economic growth and high poverty rates. Opportunities for improvement include embracing green transitions and digital technologies, but challenges such as inadequate digital infrastructure and educational deficits hinder progress. Key strategies include enhancing education, implementing labor market reforms, improving digital infrastructure, and promoting gender equality in the workforce.

Santa Marta's Mayor's office has launched Connect 2040, an ambitious plan aimed at internationalizing the city. Led by Carlos José Jaramillo, the initiative focuses on attracting investments, boosting foreign trade, and enhancing international cooperation. The plan aims to increase investment to one billion dollars and double exports to 1.5 billion dollars annually. It also seeks to increase the number of exporting companies from 176 to 400. The initiative involves collaboration with various local organizations to improve the city's competitiveness and global presence.

In Palm Springs, a neighborhood known as Section 14, predominantly home to Black and Latino families, was destroyed in the 1960s to make way for commercial development. Former residents and their descendants are now seeking reparations for the loss of their homes and the racial trauma they endured. The city has apologized and offered a settlement, but negotiations are ongoing. The case highlights the complexities of addressing historical injustices, especially when involving tribal land. Key figures include civil rights attorney Areva Martin and current Palm Springs Mayor Jeffrey Bernstein, who has proposed several measures to address past inequities.

The article discusses the rise in global poverty due to the COVID-19 pandemic, with a focus on Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC). Despite LAC's relatively small increase in poverty compared to South Asia, the region's economic contraction and slow recovery pose significant challenges. The pandemic has exacerbated the 'middle-income trap' for LAC countries, with some falling to lower income levels. The article highlights Brazil's success in mitigating poverty through rescue measures but notes the overall increase in poverty when Brazil is excluded. It also points out that the new poor in LAC are generally better educated and urban, which may aid in recovery. The authors argue for a vulnerability-based approach to poverty, emphasizing the need for expanded vaccine access, inclusive policies, and support from multilateral organizations like the World Bank. They also stress the importance of addressing societal frustrations and political polarization in the wake of the pandemic.

The 2022 United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP27) in Egypt is significant for Latin America and the Caribbean, as climate change poses a threat but also presents opportunities for the region. Immediate action is needed to address the impacts of climate change on people, such as droughts and floods, which could push millions into extreme poverty and force migration. The region is adapting with innovations in agriculture and financial products to tackle climate risks. A shift towards decarbonization offers economic benefits, with the potential to lead in clean energy technologies using resources like copper and lithium. Over 50% of the region's energy production is already from clean and renewable sources. The Amazon rainforest, as a major carbon sink, plays a crucial role in global sustainability efforts, and its preservation offers economic benefits to indigenous and vulnerable communities.

The World Bank's report 'Indigenous Latin America in the Twenty-First Century' highlights the challenges faced by the indigenous population in Latin America. With an estimated 42 million indigenous people in the region, countries like Mexico, Guatemala, Peru, and Bolivia have the largest indigenous populations. The report points out that indigenous people suffer from high levels of poverty, with 43 percent living in poverty and 24 percent in extreme poverty, rates significantly higher than those of non-indigenous people. Indigenous children born to indigenous parents are more likely to grow up in poverty. The lack of formal land recognition, insufficient public investment, and barriers to participation in the economy and political processes exacerbate their vulnerability, especially to climate change and health crises like COVID-19.

Two years after the pandemic began, 2022 starts with hopeful signs of economic recovery in Latin America and the Caribbean, despite the visible scars of the crisis. Poverty and inequality have increased, and employment has only partially recovered. The region's GDP grew by 6.7% in 2021, but challenges remain, including the need to ensure vaccination against COVID-19, with significant disparities among countries. Four key areas are identified for bolstering sustainable growth: improving firm productivity and job creation, addressing high debt levels, reversing educational losses from the pandemic, and acting on climate change. The World Bank is supporting various initiatives across the region to address these challenges, aiming for a more inclusive and greener growth.

El artículo narra la historia de Gertrudis, quien regresa a La Habana después de seis años de exilio en Miami, a raíz de la muerte de su tío. En su regreso, se enfrenta a la transformación de la ciudad y la necesidad de revelar a su exnovio Enrique que tiene una hija con él. La Habana se muestra como un lugar cambiado, ajeno y deteriorado, reflejando el impacto del exilio en la literatura cubana a través de generaciones. 'No me hablen de Cuba', de Grethel Delgado, es presentado como una obra que explora el retorno a los orígenes y los sentimientos encontrados del inmigrante, ofreciendo una experiencia sensorial que oscila entre la nostalgia y la desesperanza por una Habana que ya no es la misma.

Latin America and the Caribbean are experiencing their worst education crisis in a century due to school closures during the pandemic, with significant learning losses that could reduce lifetime earnings by 12%. A high-level meeting in Bogotá, Colombia, will discuss the future of basic education in the region, aiming to ensure quality education for all by 2030—a goal that may not be met due to the pandemic. The article emphasizes the need for prioritizing basic education, conducting student learning assessments, implementing recovery programs, and adopting innovative pedagogical approaches. It also highlights the importance of teacher support and training, safe and inclusive schools, mental health care, and equal access to digital learning. Successful initiatives from Argentina, Chile, Ecuador, and Colombia are mentioned as examples of best practices.