Rio De Janeiro (NEE Case Study)

Where is Rio de Janeiro?

South-east coast of Brazil on the Atlantic, around Guanabara Bay

Why is Rio important regionally?

• Provides jobs

• Healthcare

• Education

Why is Rio important nationally?

• Second-largest city in Brazil

• Major center for finance, industry, and culture

Why is Rio important internationally?

• Global tourist destination (e.g., Christ the Redeemer, Carnival)

• Hosted the 2014 FIFA World Cup & 2016 Olympics

• Key port city for international trade

Why has Rio grown?

• Natural increase

• Migration : Rural → Rio for jobs + better services
   Some international migration (South America, Portugal)

Population of Rio (city)

About 6.7 million

Population of Rio (urban area)

About 13.5 million

Economic opportunities in Rio

Tourism : creates jobs (in hotels) → increases income and improves living standards

Growing jobs in service and quaternary sector : provides jobs (IT, education) → higher skills = higher pay → more spending → economy grows

 Multiplier effect (one job creates more jobs) → more businesses grow

Social challenges + solutions in Rio

Access to health care is limited→ about 55% lack local clinics, poor services → home visits by health workers detect diseases early and reduce infant mortality

Education is limited → about 25% of the poorest children are not in school, little continuation beyond the age of 14 → government funding, volunteer support and private university in Rocinha

Crime is high → gangs control many favelas → UPP police reduce violence

Unemployment is high → many work in informal jobs → training and education programmes help

Water supply in Rio (challenge + solution)

Access to clean water is limited in favelas → new pipes and treatment plants mean about 96% have clean water

Ecomonic challenges + solutions in Rio

Unemployment is high (many informal jobs) → training and education programmes help people get skilled jobs

Inequality is large (gap between rich and poor) → Favela Bairro Project improves living conditions and opportunities

Energy supply is unreliable (power cuts, illegal tappings) → new power lines and energy projects improve supply

Environmental challenges + solutions in Rio

Favelas built on steep slopes are at risk of landslides → hillsides were stabilised to reduce landslides

Water pollution from sewage, oil and waste in Guanabara Bay → new sewage systems and fines for ships reduce pollution

Land pollution from poor waste collection → landfill sites and biogas energy reduce waste

Favela Bairro Project

Housing and services are poor → many favelas lack clean water, sanitation and electricity → provided basic services (water, sanitation, electricity) improving quality of life

Access to services is limited → poor roads and lack of facilities → paved roads, healthcare, education and leisure facilities were provided

Infrastructure is not always maintained → some areas fall back into poor condition → some residents cannot afford repairs and improvements

Rapid urban growth → over 100,000 migrants arrive each year → puts pressure on housing and services

Problems - Poor maintenance; lack of skills; not all areas improved