Challenges

In a challenging climate context—marked by a combination of high risk, including hazard, exposure, and vulnerability, along with rapid climate change—the main challenge of the Project lies in incorporating the climate variable into the formulation of sustainable public policies that effectively respond to the impacts of climate change. The project aimed to provide robust information on thermal dynamics to guide revisions of urban planning instruments, particularly the master plan and land subdivision, use, and occupation laws, as well as to support structural actions in response to heatwaves. A key component of the project was also the exchange of technical-scientific information on urban climate among medium and large Ibero-American cities (Bogotá, Buenos Aires, Lisbon, and São Paulo), which have the majority of their populations living in urban areas and are therefore particularly exposed to the risks and impacts of climate change driven by land use patterns and global climate changes.

Toward a Solution

The project aimed to advance the creation of a robust technical-scientific foundation regarding the relationship between urban morphology and vegetation cover and their impacts on the climate, as well as to foster the exchange of best practices among medium and large Ibero-American cities in order to incorporate the climate variable into the formulation of sustainable public policies that effectively address the impacts of climate change. In implementing a transformative 2030 Agenda, the project aspires to contribute to SDG 13 by promoting effective management mechanisms to combat climate change and respond to its impacts; to SDG 11 by ensuring universal access to safe, inclusive public spaces with thermal comfort—particularly for women, children, the elderly, and persons with disabilities; and to SDG 17 by emphasizing the importance of strengthening partnerships for the implementation of sustainable public policies.

The methodological approach involved conducting diagnostics and forecasts regarding thermal dynamics and their correlation with land use and occupation, using established and replicable methodologies applicable to various urban contexts.

The project featured a significant participatory process through virtual meetings, enabling knowledge exchange among researchers, technical experts, and public administrators from the participating cities. Discussions addressed climatological data, planning and implementation of actions based on scientific evidence, and strategies for dissemination, communication, and engagement in the face of the climate emergency. Additionally, the cities contributed to the creation of the e-book, where they also shared reflections on lessons learned.

The exchange of experiences between Bogotá, Buenos Aires, Lisbon, and São Paulo, along with the information and analyses consolidated by the project on the SampaClima platform and in the e-book, highlighted highly challenging pathways for cities to adapt to the worsening climate crisis. These challenges call for innovative and locally adapted solutions to mitigate rising temperatures, and for the engagement of citizens, universities, and public administrators. The project’s greatest strength lies in establishing a collaborative and inspiring process among cities, despite their geographic and climatic differences. The meetings underscored the relevance of a systemic approach to defining and developing public policies that integrate solutions for urban resilience not only as an infrastructure issue but also as one of social inclusion and community involvement.

With regard to the results achieved in relation to the SDG targets, most of the outcomes were made available on the SampaClima platform. This tool serves as an interface between the public administration and society, enabling the sharing of data and information about temperatures, vegetation, urban morphology, heat vulnerability, climate risk, demographics, and building density, among others. Its purpose is to support the creation and improvement of public policies for climate change adaptation, directly contributing to target 13.b.

From the perspective of the project’s continuity, in addition to the creation of the SampaClima platform, the engagement of the population is also key. This is being pursued through the Municipal Environment Council and the Regional Councils for Environment, Sustainable Development, and a Culture of Peace, which are expected to contribute to the development of strategies and prioritization of adaptation actions in response to climate change.

The project demonstrates significant potential for replicability. Among the most relevant aspects is the importance of extending the microclimatic analyses conducted during the project to other areas of the city. These analyses allow for the assessment of existing urban microclimatic conditions and those resulting from simulations of different urban transformation scenarios. It is valuable to further investigate how modifications in building layout arrangements affect shading and wind circulation, as well as to explore new elements for climate mitigation and to measure the thermal comfort provided by different adaptive measures.

Given that the effects of climate change impact territories unevenly, it is essential to direct adaptation efforts toward areas with highly vulnerable populations, taking into account their level of exposure to risks and the resulting health impacts. Understanding the most vulnerable territories and populations, as well as establishing appropriate adaptive guidelines, requires coordinated actions and interinstitutional collaboration, along with social participation at various stages. Strengthening communication channels for climate data and information can support this process—especially when conducted with participatory governance and management of data production and dissemination.