Representatives from four non-profit organizations – two from Curitiba, two from Porto Alegre – participated this Monday (12/14) in a meeting to launch the Action Fund Brazil project.

The organizations were chosen to implement climate projects that utilize public data, such as that available on Google's Environmental Insights Explorer (EIE) platform, in order to contribute to local climate action in two Brazilian capital cities.“

Associated with the ICLEI network, Porto Alegre and Curitiba are benchmark cities in urban planning in Latin America, according to Rodrigo Corradi, Manager of Institutional Relations and Advocacy at ICLEI South America. “Furthermore, they are cities committed politically and technically to opening their data, and that already says a lot about them. Additionally, they have civil society organizations within their territory interested in contributing to sustainable urban development.”

The event was attended by representatives from the environmental agencies of both local governments. Curitiba's Secretary of the Environment, Marilza Dias, The Climate Action Plan will not be successful if it is not embraced by the whole of society. "It is important that the actions – both those of the government and those of civil society – have visibility for all citizens. This is an extremely important project for Curitiba's climate policy, and it gives us that possibility."“

Coordinator of Sustainability Policies for Porto Alegre, Rovana Bortolini highlighted the urgency for society to adapt to low-carbon energy consumption, and stated that the capital of Rio Grande do Sul is moving in that direction. "The chosen projects will make a difference and will help Porto Alegre face climate change."“

During the meeting, the four selected organizations presented the objectives of their climate projects, as well as their work plans, indicators, and key implementation milestones. The organizations also had the opportunity to offer comments and suggestions, exchanging information and experiences about this process. 

In Curitiba, the SENAI-PR project will develop a publicly accessible dashboard that allows for the monitoring of indicators related to climate change, as well as more in-depth analyses of the phenomenon in the city of Curitiba. Marilia de Souza, executive manager of the FIEP System Observatory at the organization, stated that the project will contribute to sustainable solutions to be applied in cities. “"This panel will organize information to support decision-making aimed at addressing climate change."”

Ambiens Sociedade Cooperativa will install photovoltaic solar panels in homes in the Caximba neighborhood, on the outskirts of Curitiba, and will also develop an app to collect data and make the results available. “We will use the data provided by EIE to raise awareness and engage sectors of society regarding low-carbon development,” emphasizes Adriane Ferreira., Project manager for the organization.

In Porto Alegre, the project presented by the Porto Alegre Urban Intelligence Center (CIUPOA) rThe project will carry out interventions in Morro da Cruz, located in the city's outskirts. These interventions aim to transform two municipal schools and a Gaucho Traditions Center (CTG) into hubs for a circular economy and zero emissions. “It is with great joy that we will receive resources from entities so committed to tackling climate change. If we don't integrate ourselves into the local area, into the communities, we won't have a solution,” points out Tânia. Saucer,  president of CIUPOA. 

Finally, the project to be developed by the Brazil Climate Center (CBC) proposes the construction of a system of indicators to support the energy transition of public transportation in the capital of Rio Grande do Sul. “This project aims to quantify emissions and present alternatives for new transportation policies,” notes Kathia Monteiro, from the Augusto Carneiro Institute, a partner of the CBC in the project's execution.

About Action Fund Brazil

In May of this year, Porto Alegre and Curitiba were the two Brazilian capitals selected to participate in the Action Fund Brazil project, a collaboration between ICLEI – Local Governments for Sustainability and Google.org.

The initiative aims to support non-profit organizations in implementing local, data-driven projects to mitigate climate change, helping decision-makers to establish targets related to climate planning. The Action Fund, of approximately US$$4 million, will be implemented through ICLEI's regional offices in Europe, Brazil, and Mexico and the Caribbean.