Leverage for good: An introduction to the new frontiers of philanthropy and social investment

This article analyzes how Bogotá became a model for sustainable transport, reflecting an increasing focus on urban policy solutions for global development. It introduces the "leveraging cities" logic, emerging from rising global philanthropy, solutionism among development organizations, and attention to cities as solutions for global problems, especially sustainability and climate change. The article critiques these urban policy solutions as "quick fixes" that avoid intervening in structural factors causing environmental degradation, thus highlighting the limits of this proliferating global development practice.