There are several explanations to why Curibita was chosen as the leading green city of Latin America. First and foremost, the city has a designated environmental department, which monitors the city’s environmental impact and drafts strategic plans on environmental policy. In 2010, the city allocated about US $106 million to the environmental department. Moreover, the city has been working to move people from informal settlements and slums to low-income housing where sanitation infrastructure like water and waste collection is easier to supply. In addition, Curibita’s outstanding performance is a long history of taking a holistic approach to the environment. For example, in 1960s when the city was experiencing rapid population growth, city officials implemented proposals to reduce urban sprawl, create pedestrian areas, and provide effective low cost rapid transit. The urban plan created in 1980, which involved creating space for green areas, waste recycling and management and sanitation. Furthermore, concern about environmental issues became as much as part of citizen’s identities as it is in the city. Curibita also has the most influential bus network in the world. It is a network centerpiece with a six line service called “bus rapid transit” (BRT) which are long and articulated buses that run 72 km roads extending from the city centre.
This report is based to assess the environmental performance of Latin America’s major cities. The Latin American Green Index measures the sustainability of the following 17 key Latin American cities: Belo Horizonte, Bogota, Brasilia, Buenos Aires, Guadalajara, Lima, Curitiba, Medellin, Mexico City, Moterrey, Montevideo, Porto Alegre, Puebla, Quito, Rio de Janeiro, Santiago and Sao Paolo. According to the United Nations, Latin America is the most urbanized area of the world, 81% of the population lives in urban areas. The Brazilian city of Curibita came out as the leading green city in Latin America. Curibita which has the fourth biggest economy in Brazil, achieved its ranking as the top city for air quality and waste.
Curitiba
I have never heard about Curibita, didn't know that it even existed. I am impressed to know that Brazil is a pro-environmentally country. This report might help other countries of the world realize about the importance of being environmentally friendly. The bus network is similar to the one of Bogota.
ReplyDeleteIt is very impressive what Brazil is doing on sustainability issues. As is the case with everything nowadays, it is sad that Venezuela is going on the wrong path. While they have green cities as Curibita, almost half of Venezuela has been victims to polluted water due to a terribly managed oil spill. Venezuela should learn about Curibita.
ReplyDeleteIt is very important that a city in Latin America, starts realizing the importance about taking care or our world. Mostly because the economy and production in Latin America has been increasing lately. I think the rest of the countries in Latin America should follow this intelligent example in order to not do any more harm to the wolrd.
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