The Case of Sustainable Brazilian Slums 

This is a story of how the local community can become the leaders of climate action. In the face of migration and displacement, the slums of Brazil are working together to make their place of residence sustainable. 

Home to more than 8% of Brazil’s population, favelas or the Brazilian slums, are widespread informal settlements often situated on the periphery of major cities such as São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro. These favelas are home to low-income populations. Houses are built mostly on unstable land such as slopes and hills, making them vulnerable to climate impacts and risks such as landslides. Favelas commonly don’t have access to public services such as sanitation. 

In Brazil’s crowded favelas, green space is hard to come by. But in the largest South American city of São Paulo, a community has started to make efforts towards a sustainable slum that can give something back to their residents. 

Led by Maria de Lourdes Andrade Silva, the community manages gardens and vineyards, conducts community waste picking and clean-up drives and also designs sustainable means to conserve water.