*By Marcelo Batista Nery and Jamile Sabatini Marques
We were overcome by great sadness. We believe that everyone has experienced this. However, this sadness comes from a job well done and, in this circumstance, it is worth recording the reason.
In mid-June, an event was organized by the Center for the Study of Violence at USP (NEV-USP), the USP Center for Global Cities (CS-USPCG-IEA) and the Graduate Program in Smart and Sustainable Cities at Uninove, with support from the Brazilian Association of Software Companies (ABES). This event celebrated one year of partnership between NEV-USP and CS-USPCG-IEA and presented the results obtained during the period.
The event entitled “Urban Resilience: Addressing Climate Challenges and Protecting Youth” highlighted the main product of the partnership, a response to the call from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to provide support for the Brazilian State’s statement regarding the advisory opinion on “Climate Emergency and Human Rights”, requested by Chile and Colombia to the Inter-American Court of Human Rights. The document prepared sought to highlight measures that States must implement to minimize harm to children and adolescents in the context of environmental and humanitarian crises.
The response highlights the importance of protecting and promoting the well-being of children in emergencies involving multiple victims. Priority is given to the safety and care of vulnerable populations, especially young people from low-income families and ethnic minority groups. An integrated approach to climate risk management is recommended, with access to guidelines and action protocols. In addition, it highlights the need to promote resilience and child protagonism, implement specialized post-disaster care measures and ensure respect for human rights at all stages of crisis management. Cooperation between States and institutions is also essential to protect children in adverse contexts, as the climate crisis interacts with social inequalities and its effects are unevenly distributed.
During the event, several topics related to the Brazilian situation were highlighted. Initially, the recurrence of environmental disasters was discussed, highlighting gaps in the preparation and mitigation of these disasters. The emotional and psychological impact on children was emphasized, which includes anxiety, learning difficulties and suicidal ideation. The event also addressed how disasters affect mental health, often resulting in traumas such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). As a result, the disorganization of shelters and the need for adequate training for volunteers were discussed. Finally, the event highlighted the urgent need for investments in prevention and collective health programs to prevent children and adolescents from falling ill.
The next topic explored the impacts of climate change on the peripheries. It highlights how vulnerability to these impacts negatively influences the development and mental health of young people, exacerbated by the lack of access to basic rights such as water and sanitation, particularly during periods of public calamity. In fact, child deaths are due to preventable causes. Reports from the WHO and UNICEF reinforce that young people are disproportionately affected by climate-related diseases and threats, highlighting the urgency of climate justice and the inclusion of these young people in solutions. This finding highlights the seriousness of effective actions to protect future generations.
Finally, the importance of preventive education was addressed. After the major disaster in southern Brazil (flooding caused by extreme rainfall), solidarity and the need to prepare children and adolescents for emergency situations stood out. The project “Olympics of Knowledge in Natural Disasters”, carried out in Baixada Santista in collaboration with civil defense, exemplifies this solidarity-based preparation. The program educates students about landslides, floods and other types of phenomena that cause environmental hazards, encouraging active learning and community participation. In addition to promoting participatory monitoring in risk areas, it prepares young people to identify and report problems, strengthening their ability to demand appropriate action from local authorities.
In the context of smart cities, it is imperative that States adopt effective measures to mitigate the damage caused by the climate emergency. This involves not only addressing socio-environmental inequalities, but also ensuring public safety in a comprehensive manner. Initiatives such as participatory mapping are essential to identify areas at risk and allow vulnerable communities to have an active voice in the decisions that affect them. Collaboration with universities and other academic entities, as well as organizations and associations, is essential to develop appropriate responses that are sensitive to local needs. It is crucial to integrate the targets and indicators of the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) into public policies, ensuring a coordinated approach across different sectors. Educating children about prevention, in a broad sense, must be a priority, empowering them to be agents of change in their communities. Continuous involvement of the population in urban planning ensures that solutions are sustainable and effective in the long term.
To protect children and adolescents, it is essential to have the support of key community actors, such as educators, police officers and health professionals, who play an important role in providing guidance and promoting social cohesion. Establishing effective channels for reporting violence and assessing risks is necessary to ensure that information flows properly and that physical, mental and emotional well-being is prioritized. Building effective social networks and fostering early autonomy are fundamental steps in emergency preparedness, safeguarding against the possibility of surprises and despair. Therefore, it is essential to question the real preparedness of cities to adapt to climate change, reduce urban vulnerability and prevent disasters.
Technology can also be used in a variety of ways. Sensors and IoT monitor risks in real time, while participatory mapping applications give communities a voice. Educational platforms and online courses teach children about disaster prevention. Scenario simulations and augmented reality help understand and prevent environmental problems and aid urban planning. Communication tools promote collaboration between communities and governments. Big Data and AI analyze climate and social data to guide future policies and practices.
In summary, it is concluded that to mitigate suffering during climate emergencies and humanitarian crises, it is essential to implement preventive measures, innovations and public policies that promote equity and respect human rights. The vulnerability of specific groups must be carefully considered, taking into account factors such as income, ethnicity and history. It is important that structured policies address both the global impacts of climate change and local particularities, strengthening the resilience and security of communities. Clearly distinguishing between social assistance and public security is essential, especially in emergency contexts where crises can exacerbate situations of violence such as urban crime and sexual violence, highlighting the importance of well-planned contingency plans.
And so, sadness is present. We feel the responsibility of the current moment and we are certain that, based on all the available knowledge, much could be done to avoid unnecessary pain and suffering. It is regrettable to note that, despite the vast understanding of the impacts of climate change, there is little effective progress. We know that preparation, inclusion, education, participation, technologies and known public policies, based on equity and prevention, have the potential to transform realities, especially for young people in vulnerable situations. However, the lack of coordinated and collaborative action perpetuates inequalities, leaving entire communities exposed to risks that could be avoided. The lack of contingency programs and social support networks reveals a worrying negligence, demonstrating that there is capacity to improve social conditions and save lives, but that this potential is not yet being used.
*Marcelo Baptist Nery is a researcher at think tank from ABES and the Oscar Sala Chair at the Institute of Advanced Studies at USP (IEA-USP), coordinator of Technology Transfer and Head of the PAHO/WHO Collaborating Center (BRA-61) at the Center for Violence Studies at the University of São Paulo .
*Jamile Sabatini Marques is Director of Innovation and Development at ABES
Notice: The opinion presented in this article is the responsibility of its author and not of ABES - Brazilian Association of Software Companies
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