Climate tragedies, unsustainable cities, and misaligned policies

the case of Rio Grande do Sul

Abstract

This paper addresses the complex intersection of climate disasters, the unsustainability of contemporary metropolises, and the inefficiency of smart public policies in facing such challenges, analyzing the case of three municipalities in Rio Grande do Sul. The aim is to present an analysis of urban planning tools and other instruments proposed within the framework of sustainable cities, which currently exist but are underutilized in public policy. The study is based on the investigation and description of a recent case reported in the press, illustrating a pragmatic solution adopted by three municipalities in Rio Grande do Sul to permanently address flood-related problems, an increasingly common phenomenon due to climate change. Research across newspapers, magazines, and academic sources in the social sciences field brought to light international, constitutional, and legal instruments, as well as environmental and urbanistic regulations, technologies, and tools. many involving innovations such as Artificial Intelligence, now available to public authorities for the design of effective public policies aimed especially at preventing the disastrous consequences of climate change. Ultimately, this study offers a concise critique of the absence or inefficiency of public policies to deal with foreseeable and avoidable climate disasters, in light of widespread failures observed by all, both in timing and manner of action and reaction, as well as in implementing effective strategies, mitigating climate change effects, promoting urban sustainability, and ensuring social well-being. In summary, this work seeks to emphasize the urgency and necessity of implementing policies that align with contemporary climate demands and the goals of sustainable development, employing advanced technologies already available to contain and confront the growing climate catastrophes, and to plan and build smarter, more sustainable cities that foster quality of life for current and future generations.