Learning in times of tragedy: solidarity alone does not bring about change

While Rio Grande do Sul faces the painful consequences of the floods that have devastated the state, a remarkable movement of solidarity is spreading throughout Brazil. It's a familiar scene in our land: when a region is hit by a catastrophe, Brazilians unite in mutual aid. We are undoubtedly a people of solidarity. However, behind this gesture there is an undeniable shadow: the lack of effective preparation to deal with increasingly frequent climate disasters. I'll go further: the lack of a national public policy that shortens the bureaucratic path of raising emergency funds, something that the seriousness of situations like this demand.

The recent episode of flooding in Rio Grande do Sul is not an isolated occurrence. In 2023, the state had already faced similar situations, albeit less serious, demonstrating the recurrence of these events and the urgent need for robust preventive measures. While we come together to help those affected, and this is fundamental, we also need to question what is being done to prevent such tragedies from recurring in the future.

Looking beyond our borders, we see other countries implementing significant measures to deal with natural disasters. Countries like the Netherlands, Japan and New Zealand invest in advanced flood prevention systems, such as dams, early warning systems and efficient drainage structures. They learn from their own experiences and from the challenges faced by other nations.

However, it is regrettable to see that, even in the face of global evidence and examples, Brazil still lacks an effective response to these challenges. While we engage in heated political debates about the government's culpability and responsibility, promises of change rarely materialize after the clamor of the situation subsides.

It's important to note that these tragedies are not exclusive to Rio Grande do Sul. Petrópolis, in Rio de Janeiro, and the northern coast of São Paulo are just some of the regions suffering from similar problems. The lack of investment in infrastructure and prevention in these risk areas is a reflection of the continued negligence in dealing with climate change and its devastating consequences. It is not possible that with so many examples being repeated, risk areas are still occupied with irregular housing, that warning systems for the population are not fully functioning. Today I came across the news that Anatel is now going to put in place a new warning system that will affect everyone, not just registered users. Definitely a long overdue measure.

Faced with this scenario, it is essential that society demands concrete action from our political leaders. After all, this is an election year. It would be imperative for voters to direct their votes to those candidates who present real projects to prevent climate accidents in their regions. It is at the pinnacle of democracy, the elections, that the population has the most power to impose its will. Now, then, is the time to bring this agenda to the fore. We can no longer tolerate inaction and empty promises. It's time to invest in preventive measures, such as building dams, strengthening warning systems and mapping risk areas. We no longer have time to politicize the debate. Catastrophes like this should unite opposing parties and break up disagreements between the political class. Something I definitely don't see. There have been attacks on the first lady, the government of Rio de Janeiro and even Madonna, who on the same weekend as the tragedy performed for more than 1.6 million people in a free concert on the sands of Copacabana. I don't want to go into whether we had the right climate for such an event. But I do want to ask: are these the agendas that should really be hotly debated?

My answer is vehement: of course not. And I am pessimistic and discouraged to see the population and politicians getting lost in ideological issues and forgetting to create a practical, urgent and feasible agenda of measures to not only help the population suffering at the moment, but also to prevent such destruction when we face new natural threats. While we sympathize with the victims of the floods in Rio Grande do Sul, we must turn our compassion into action. We need to demand real and lasting changes to meet the challenges of climate catastrophes. It's not empty promises or unusual attacks that will create the conditions for us to become a more resilient country, prepared for the difficult times that will inevitably come.