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THE IMPORTANCE OF CLIMATE FINANCE FOR PERIPHERIES AND FAVELAS AS A TOOL FOR TRANSFORMATION

The impact of climate change is already a reality in the lives of millions of people around the world. Rising temperatures over time are changing weather patterns and upsetting the balance of nature, posing risks to human beings and all other forms of life on earth.

 

In a globalized world based on exploitative dynamics within an economic system that produces inequalities, these climate-related effects do not affect everyone equally. The so-called “environmental racism” is associated with the unequal context of the impacts of the climate crisis, resulting in unequal environmental and social damage among different classes and races in Brazilian society.

 

In Brazil, in cities and urban and rural centers, environmental racism has a significant impact on the population living in favelas and peripheries, where historically there has been a majority black population. The lack of access to basic services, such as drinking water and sanitation, urban structure and decent housing conditions affect the health and quality of life of residents and further aggravate the impacts of climate change, causing floods and landslides.

 

It is we, the residents of the favelas and peripheries, who are suffering the most from the impacts of the climate crisis in the cities.

 

If, on one hand, the effects of deforestation and the country's way of life and economic production have contributed to greenhouse gas emissions, to periods of prolonged drought and to the epidemic of arson attacks, on the other hand, we have a population that is feeling the effects of rising electricity bills, water and energy shortages, the impact on health with an increase in respiratory diseases and fear about the uncertainties of tomorrow, about what kind of world we will leave for our children and grandchildren. 

 

But the hopelessness of an uncertain future does not paralyze the daily efforts of our peripheral, quilombola, riverine and indigenous organizations in their constant search to mitigate the effects of climate change on entire communities. 

 

It is in response to this crisis that peripheral and favela-based organizations play a central role in producing local solutions to combat climate chaos. The actions of these organizations go beyond simply adapting to environmental impacts: they incorporate social justice and community empowerment into their actions, creating alternatives that are effective, inclusive and deeply rooted in the needs and realities of local populations.

 

By working directly in the territory, these organizations have a keen understanding of the specific vulnerabilities of their communities. This enables them to develop coping strategies that directly address local challenges, such as floods, droughts and extreme weather events. By creating low-cost, high-impact solutions, such as rainwater harvesting and encouraging agroecological practices, these organizations stand out for offering experiential and scalable responses, adapted to different biomes and regional realities.

 

Another important feature to highlight is that, in addition to seeking practical solutions, these organizations are also at the forefront of the fight for climate justice. The climate crisis amplifies social inequalities, and the urban peripheries are disproportionately affected. By acting in these territories, grassroots organizations not only offer immediate responses, but also promote community empowerment, encouraging political participation and the construction of public policies that take into account the realities of these populations.

 

These significant challenges of lack of robust investment in these causes jeopardize the future of our country. Supporting and strengthening peripheral and favela-based organizations is essential to expanding the reach of innovative, scalable and inclusive climate solutions, which can serve as a model for other regions in similar contexts. 

 

The peripheries have answers for combating climate change in Brazil. However, in order for them to continue their mission, it is essential that the philanthropic sector and major funders recognize the importance of these initiatives and promote the democratization of resources. 

 

We believe it is time for private social investment and philanthropic organizations to review their methodologies and scopes of action, reducing bureaucracy in funding methods, deepening relationships of trust with favela and peripheral collectives, organizations and movements, and making climate resources reach the tip to transform realities. 

 

If we want to have a philanthropy in Brazil that makes sense and promotes concrete impacts, we need to put the favelas, especially black people, women, LGBTQIAPN+ and the periphery at the center of transformation strategies.

 

What we created was no small feat. We didn't wait for the perfect conditions to start acting. But we want and we can do more. We know what can be done when the money arrives and we do it together when it does. 

 

The future of the fight against climate change in Brazil depends on a real commitment to social inclusion and climate justice, and peripheral organizations are undoubtedly strategic partners in this process.

 

The peripheries have the answer and the climate solutions!

For a Brazil with a green, sustainable and peripheral future! 
 

We invite you to raise this PIPA with us, seeking to join forces to democratize the country's future by fostering our next generations. 

 

 

Would you like to support this letter?
Send your organization's logo to

contato@iniciativapipa.org and join us!

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