Inequality, conflicts and challenges in Latin American cities with socio-environmental transformation processes in the context of the Sustainable Development Goals

Abstract

Over time, society appropriates space, transforming it into territory. Natural and social processes develop simultaneously, and it is precisely the increase in human actions that provokes diverse socio-environmental transformations. In Latin America, cities have experienced significant socio-environmental transformations due to economic development policies that have accentuated inequality and generated tensions around the use and distribution of natural resources. The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) provide a framework to address these challenges by promoting inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable cities. However, the implementation of the SDGs in Latin American cities faces considerable obstacles, such as rapid urbanization, population growth, environmental degradation and climate change, which put pressure on urban systems. Often, the SDGs are not tailored to the local scale and do not foster effective climate action, perpetuating inequity and marginalization of certain groups.
This raises questions about what actions have been taken on sustainability, which cities embrace the SDGs, and how research on socio-environmental transformations have evolved in the context of the SDGs. This study, of a documentary nature and interpretative-explanatory approach, will use theoretical, statistical and empirical methods to critically synthesize existing literature and develop specific indicators to diagnose socio-environmental transformation processes in Latin American cities, highlighting gaps in current studies and proposing a Latin American approach.