2018 Reports

Water-Related Vulnerabilities to Climate Change and Poor Housing Conditions in Lima

Sara, Liliana Miranda

Lima’s rapid urban growth has increased vulnerabilities to climate-related hazards, including extreme rainfall, landslides, and water scarcity, particularly affecting low-income informal settlements on hillsides and riverbanks. The city faces stark inequities in water access, with peripheral communities consuming far less than wealthier areas, heightening their exposure to disasters. The Barrio Mío program demonstrated effective community-based adaptation through infrastructure improvements, tree planting, and risk management training, though it was later deactivated. Lima’s experience highlights the need for integrated, decentralized strategies combining infrastructure and local interventions to reduce climate risk for vulnerable populations.