Partner: RegionsAdapt, Cities Race to Resilience
Implementer: São Paulo State Government
Country and Region: São Paulo, Brazil – Latin America & the Caribbean
Impact/Beneficiaries: Over 44 million residents, including vulnerable communities
Two-pronged climate strategy
São Paulo’s Climate Adaptation and Resilience State Plan addresses both mitigation and adaptation. The plan includes extensive water quality monitoring systems and new reservoirs. Since 2015, São Paulo has increased its water storage capacity by over 100 million cubic meters, ensuring a sustainable supply of clean water. The strategy also focuses on supporting family farming with training and subsidies to boost local food production by 20% by 2030, reducing dependency on imports.
Efforts under the One Health initiative involve public health campaigns and vaccination programs to combat climate-related health issues, reducing vector-borne diseases by 15% since 2018. Conservation projects target the restoration of 1 million hectares of the Atlantic Forest and Cerrado biomes by 2030. Coastal areas benefit from mangrove restoration and sustainable fisheries, protecting 1.5 million coastal residents and incorporating early warning systems for extreme weather events.
Nature-based solutions
São Paulo integrates nature-based solutions (NBS) like urban reforestation, rain gardens, and green roofs. These green infrastructures not only reduce CO2 but also manage stormwater, lower urban temperatures, and enhance biodiversity. Over 3 million trees have been planted since 2015, reducing urban CO2 levels by 10%. More than 200 rain gardens manage stormwater runoff, and approximately 500 buildings feature green roofs, insulating buildings and managing rainwater.
The BIOTA Synthesis Initiative, a collaboration with universities, has produced over 50 scientific publications and guidelines for urban planning, advancing the effectiveness of NBS and integrating them into urban infrastructure.
Climate justice
São Paulo advocates for climate justice by involving vulnerable communities in adaptation efforts. This includes research on climate risks, inclusive public participation, and pilot projects tailored to address gender, race, age, and income disparities. Over 10,000 families have received assistance to improve their resilience. Regular community meetings and public consultations ensure marginalised groups have a voice in adaptation projects.
Pilot projects in vulnerable communities test and refine measures like flood protection and heatwave preparedness. These projects provide valuable data and insights to scale successful strategies city-wide. Tailoring adaptation measures to specific vulnerabilities ensures equitable protection for all residents.
Ecological Economic Zoning (EEZ)
The city’s EEZ framework balances environmental protection with socioeconomic development. Investments in healthcare, education, and public transportation improve access to essential services in underserved regions. Advanced water management techniques like aquifer recharge and wastewater recycling secure water availability for future generations. Specific zones for habitat protection are critical for maintaining biodiversity, and disaster risk reduction strategies, including flood defenses and buffer zones, minimise the impact of natural disasters.
Promoting green industries and sustainable agricultural practices supports economic growth while protecting the environment. This comprehensive approach ensures that São Paulo can build a resilient and sustainable economy.
Collaborations
Collaborative projects like the BIOTA Synthesis Initiative involve universities and local governments to advance NBS planning. The GreenBlue Municipality Program encourages municipalities to develop and implement sustainable policies, recognising efforts in urban reforestation and sustainable agriculture. Projects like Resilient Municipalities from São Paulo help local governments create context-appropriate adaptation plans, ensuring effective and tailored resilience measures.
The ReflorestaSP Program incentivises private landowners to reforest large areas, enhancing biodiversity and providing ecosystem services. These collaborative efforts foster a statewide culture of sustainability and resilience.
Sustainable public transport
The city plans to reduce emissions by 50% by 2028 and achieve full decarbonisation by 2038. São Paulo’s fleet of over 500 electric buses is expected to expand to 2,000 by 2028. Investments in bus corridors, bike lanes, and tram lines enhance connectivity and reduce reliance on private vehicles. Developing water transport terminals along rivers provides sustainable commuting options and reduces traffic congestion.
Urban planning
Over 50 km of green corridors connect parks and green spaces, facilitating wildlife movement and providing recreational areas for residents. Redevelopment of plazas and pedestrian zones improves walkability and reduces vehicle traffic. Promoting green building standards, São Paulo offers incentives for energy-efficient buildings meeting LEED or similar certifications.
Health, resilience, and food
Over 300 community gardens provide fresh produce and strengthen food security. These gardens also serve as educational hubs, teaching residents about sustainable farming practices. Programs to increase green space access improve mental and physical health outcomes for urban residents. Farmers’ markets and food cooperatives ensure fresh, locally-grown produce is available, especially in underserved areas.
Low-carbon lifestyles
São Paulo aims to reduce its average lifestyle carbon footprint from 3.6 tCO2e/capita/year to 1.6 tCO2e/capita/year by 2030. This ambitious goal involves sustainable consumption and production practices, requiring collaborative efforts from all sectors. Encouraging sustainable consumption habits and promoting renewable energy use are key strategies. Public awareness campaigns educate residents about reducing their carbon footprint and adopting eco-friendly practices. Financial incentives for households and businesses support sustainable practices like installing solar panels.
Commitment to global initiatives
As a member of Regions4ICLEI and a partner in the Race to Resilience, São Paulo is committed to enhancing the region’s urban resilience against climate risks. The Race to Resilience aims to build the resilience of 4 billion people from vulnerable groups by 2030. Active participation in ICLEI’s programs promotes sustainable urban development and shares best practices globally.
Read more here:
Race to Resilience Youth Fellow, Ferdison Valmond, explains how inclusive climate action can create a more resilient and sustainable world. Valmond highlights the campaign’s commitment to empowering underrepresented groups to ensure they play an active role in shaping climate resilience efforts.
Learn how Asha Juma Khamis and Asha Bakar Mtwana, marine rangers supported by the Global Fund for Coral Reefs, are transforming Pemba’s coral reefs and enhancing community resilience as part of the Race to Resilience.
Supported by Race to Resilience partner, GAYO, the “Water for Adaptation and Period Poverty” (W4APP) project, operating in the Kassena Nankana West and East districts, is helping improve access to water, food security, and education.
Women in Machakos County, Kenya, are leading grassroots efforts to strengthen climate resilience. Discover how local networks and sustainable farming practices are driving change and inspiring global action as part of the Race to Resilience campaign.
