This century, we will see peak population, at around 10 billion, peak urbanisation, with 85-90% of people living in cities and peak informality, with an estimated 3 billion living informally by 2050.

The interconnected pressures of climate change, inequality and rapid urbanisation are putting pressure on existing living situations and systems around the world. Changing climates and environmental exploitation make life in rural areas increasingly challenging. Ultimately, triggering displacement from rural areas to cities. This process of urbanisation brings its own challenges, from access to resources and infrastructure in already heaving cities to cultural integration. Addressing these issues requires systemic and localised change.

These systemic challenges are felt acutely in the Andean region of South America, where rapid urbanisation, displacement, and informality are long-standing realities.

This research project seeks to centre the vernacular knowledge of people with first-hand experience with displacement, rural-to-urban migration, over-urbanisation and climate change. For this piece, Seb and EJ interviewed researchers, activists, and designers in the Andean region who have experience innovating, building resilience and fighting injustice to tackle some of the largest systemic problems facing the world today. Documenting their thoughts on the issues they face and the solutions they can see working in their communities, with minimal interference from the researchers.

The film is accompanied by written and visual works that present findings from the journey.
‍