Cultivating Change: Greening São Paulo with Pocket Forests
Ricardo Cardim, a landscaper in São Paulo, is tackling local climate change by planting 'pocket forests' using native plants. He believes in shifting the climate conversation to protecting biodiversity. His efforts underscore the critical cultural and environmental value of urban greenery, particularly in densely populated areas.
The city of Belem in Brazil's Amazon will host the COP30 climate summit, placing biodiversity in the spotlight. Meanwhile, São Paulo's urban sprawl reveals treeless vistas and polluted waters. Ricardo Cardim, a dedicated landscaper and botanist, is transforming this landscape through 'pocket forests' to reconnect city dwellers with nature.
Cardim argues that cities should focus on tangible benefits of biodiversity rather than abstract carbon metrics. Despite its ecological richness, São Paulo's explosive growth has led to harsh urban conditions and regional climate challenges. Cardim's pocket forests revive native plants to address these issues and foster a community connection.
Cardim's work advocates for preserving remnants of Brazil's ecosystems, like the Atlantic Forest, and parallels the current situation in the Amazon. He promotes a national environmental agenda, emphasizing local priorities over imported concerns, and seeks greater investment in native forest preservation over carbon credit markets.
(With inputs from agencies.)
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