Last week, the São Paulo City Council hosted the 24th Cleaner Production and Climate Change Conference in São Paulo, an event that was part of the Municipal Legislature's program at COP30, the UN global climate conference that will take place in 2025, in Belém do Pará.
The initiative brought together public administrators, experts, activists, civil society organizations, and RenovaBR leaders, such as State Representative Marina Helou and Councilors Marina Bragante and Renata Falzoni, to discuss sustainable solutions and strategies for tackling climate change in São Paulo.
The debates addressed key issues for the future of cities, such as water resources, vegetation cover, urban mobility, waste management, and green jobs. The proposals gathered during the discussions will be consolidated into a report that will be submitted to the São Paulo City Hall and COP30.
Resilient cities and water resources
Marina Helou, state representative for São Paulo, moderated a conversation on water resources, discussing strategies for sustainable access and water management. The concept of a "sponge city" was discussed as an alternative to expanding green spaces, restoring rivers, and creating floodplains that also function as spaces for coexistence and well-being, contributing to the climate resilience of the São Paulo capital.
Equity in urban forestry
The panel on vegetation cover and urban afforestation, moderated by Councilman Nabil Bonduki, highlighted the profound inequality in the distribution of green spaces in the city of São Paulo, a result of urban development marked by structural asymmetries. Participants advocated for investment in wider sidewalks, parks in the outskirts of cities, and the recognition of trees as living infrastructure, essential for reducing heat islands and promoting healthier, more inclusive cities.
Waste management
At the panel on waste management and the circular economy, Councilwoman Marina Bragante emphasized that sustainability goes beyond disposal: "Discussing the circular economy means looking at the entire production chain." The debate highlighted the importance of valuing waste pickers, efficient selective collection, and integrated public policies that ensure social and environmental inclusion.
Active mobility and low carbon
"Cyclists don't just talk about bicycles, but about cities too," noted Renata Falzoni, a RenovaBR alumnus and São Paulo city councilor, during the panel on urban mobility and climate change. The discussion highlighted the role of bicycles and active mobility as low-carbon solutions capable of reducing greenhouse gas emissions, improving public health, and democratizing public space.
Green jobs and sustainable innovations for the future of cities
Closing the program of the 24th Cleaner Production and Climate Change Conference, the panel "Green Jobs and Sustainable Innovations for the City" brought together experts to discuss how the transition to a low-carbon economy can boost new job and income opportunities in São Paulo.
The panel included Councilman Gabriel Abreu, Municipal Secretary of Economic Development and Labor Rodrigo Goulart, AYA Hub co-founder and former State Secretary of Economic Development Patrícia Ellen, and Iago Hairon, Senior Program Officer for Climate Justice at the Open Society Foundations.
With different perspectives on innovation, public policy, and the green economy, the guests emphasized that sustainability can be a driver of development, social inclusion, and the creation of skilled jobs in cities.
