FGV takes part in debate on G20 challenges in Brazil

How can cities prepare for climate challenges and promote the well-being of citizens? This was the question that guided the “G20 in Brazil” event held on May 16 in the auditorium of publishing house Editora Globo in Rio de Janeiro. The event featured several experts in the sector, including Marcus Quintella, the director of FGV Transport.

It is estimated that by 2050 the global urban population will increase by 2.2 billion, concentrating even more people in cities. In light of climate change, there is an urgent need to develop processes and structures designed to develop areas such as welfare, health and technology in urban centers to deal with ongoing transformations.

The first panel discussion was called “What city do we want? How to finance a just energy transition and improvement of urban infrastructure.” The second panel looked at “Smart cities and development: How to deliver the future to citizens”.

Marcus Quintella emphasized the importance of debating the issue of smart cities in Brazil, given that the country does not have the urban infrastructure required to implement all available technologies in this area.

“When it comes to urban mobility, Brazilian cities lack comprehensive transportation networks that are integrated both physically and in terms of fares, safe, competent and financially viable for citizens, which would allow technological intelligence to be deployed and work fully to deliver the expected benefits. We also need to invest in sidewalks, bike lanes, urban roads, parking lots and bike racks to form part of the context of a smart city,” he said.