How world's most dangerous city turned into a model for all

Three decades ago, the Colombian city of Medellin was renowned for being the most dangerous city in the world. Drug cartels were rampant, murders and explosions were common, and people remained inside at home. But, after just a series of investments in impoverished communities, public transportation, education facilities, parks, the city has now transformed itself into a model of urban planning and innovation. Now, Medellin is recognized as a city of modernity and entrepreneurship.

After just a few smart renovations and investments, Medellin is reinventing itself into the region's first-ever "eco-city", offering numerous types of housing, water and waste management, transportation and more.

As governments and investors around the world take funds directly toward pandemic recovery efforts, places and cities like Medellin are taking the possibility to together set a climate-friendly agenda for the year.

Colombia has recently begun reopening most major events, even as COVID-19 cases continue to climb to bolster the country's devastated economy. Medellin Mayor Daniel Quintero said his post-COVID recovery goes hand in hand with his climate goals.

"What's happening is triggering huge transformations within people and institutions in general," Quintero told Reuters last year.

The government's ambitious plans are to reduce carbon emissions by 20%, electrify public transport by 2030, expand cycling lanes by 50% and double the number of public transport lines.

Medellin already has an advantage with Colombia's unique metro system, along with bike lanes, a fleet of electric buses, and its "green corridors" network of urban greens that run congested roads.

The city opened a new electric charging station for its fleet of 69 electric buses in January - and there are plans to double that in the next three years and build an electric light rail.

But some politicians and activists have stated that, for the most part, the administration is big on high promises and short on the political will to activate them.