Cities and Climate Change Initiative: Esmeraldas, Ecuador

This document briefly introduces environmental risks and vulnerabilities of the city and province of Esmeraldas. This is one of the most vulnerable regions to the effects of climate change in Ecuador. In 2007, almost 60% of the population lived in areas with medium to high risks of floods or landslides. Informal settlements, housing 21% of the cantons population experience devastating effects from mudslides and river overflows during the rainy season. Esmeraldas is one of the 4 cities that participate in the Cities and Climate Change Initiative (CCCI) aimed at strengthening the climate change response of cities and local governments.