Sao Paulo Takes Lead to Reduce Carbon Emissions

Economic prosperity has seen it become Brazil's California. And now as in other boom towns around the world, Sao Paulo too faces the perils of environmental emissions. But finally, it is doing something about it.

Sao Paulo is the largest city in Brazil and also the largest in terms of population. With the distinction of being the richest and the most populous comes the other scourge of urban life. Being a major economic center has contributed to the population boom. And as is characteristic, the city has grown without any principles of urban planning. The large number of vehicles and high rates of vehicular congestion are just one of the pollution ills the city is facing. Recognizing the dire problem, the city has set itself the goal to reduce urban emissions of greenhouse gases by 30 percent, with a deadline of 2012. According to the green blueprint this would entail radical changes in transportation, one of the chief causes which pollutes and congests this southern city. Municipal elections this October might herald the first slew of approvals and legislations across both the city and the state. The city government has targeted 2012 and an ambitious goal of 30% reduction in emissions. The reference point for the emissions would be 2005, when the emission figure was at 15 million tons a year. The State government on its part has settled on 2020 and a more 'realistic' target of 20% cut in emissions. According to the sources, a three-year period has been decided for the State to create an inventory of its emissions, and then authorities will set a target that will not be less than 20% in relation to the emissions registered in 1990. The action steps that are being envisaged include enforcement for all large buildings and malls to have systems trash separation and collection in order to get licenses and approval for operations. Also included might be a financial incentive for "environmental services" to those people who own land and who promote the conservation of their territory. Implemented would be controls on personal transport and urban bus services with regards to reducing vehicular emissions. Brazil has staked its claim as one of the fastest growing economies in the world. The price for this ambition is being paid for by toxic pollution. Can these initiatives cure the ills before it’s too late?