State of the Planet

News from the Columbia Climate School

informal settlements

  • Household Survey in Kenya Lays Groundwork for Fight Against Poverty

    Household Survey in Kenya Lays Groundwork for Fight Against Poverty

    A new survey conducted in three informal settlements in Kisumu, Kenya, examined poverty at the household level, gleaning information on the quality of life experienced by individuals living in such settlements. A follow-up workshop gave researchers a chance to share the information with local residents and hear their thoughts on the needs of poor neighborhoods.

  • Increasing Access to Health Care Using a Community-Based Approach

    Increasing Access to Health Care Using a Community-Based Approach

    Community Health Workers (CHWs), health assistants or lay health workers who provide a fundamental level of health care for residents in the community in which they live, have been shown to make a tremendous contribution to public health and community development. In Kisumu, Kenya, residents of Manyatta, an informal settlement with nearly 90,000 people that…

Colorful icons representing nature, sustainable living, and renewable energy with text "Earth Day 2026"

The first Earth Day in 1970 ignited a movement to stop polluting our planet. Today, our scientists and experts are tackling the most pressing challenges to achieve real-world impact. This Earth Day, join us in our commitment to realizing a just and sustainable future for our planet. Visit our Earth Day website for ideas, resources, and inspiration.

  • Household Survey in Kenya Lays Groundwork for Fight Against Poverty

    Household Survey in Kenya Lays Groundwork for Fight Against Poverty

    A new survey conducted in three informal settlements in Kisumu, Kenya, examined poverty at the household level, gleaning information on the quality of life experienced by individuals living in such settlements. A follow-up workshop gave researchers a chance to share the information with local residents and hear their thoughts on the needs of poor neighborhoods.

  • Increasing Access to Health Care Using a Community-Based Approach

    Increasing Access to Health Care Using a Community-Based Approach

    Community Health Workers (CHWs), health assistants or lay health workers who provide a fundamental level of health care for residents in the community in which they live, have been shown to make a tremendous contribution to public health and community development. In Kisumu, Kenya, residents of Manyatta, an informal settlement with nearly 90,000 people that…