Brazil confronts water governance and urban climate adaptation challenges

A study of water governance in the state of Paraíba finds that the multilevel system for issuing water‑use permits is heavily influenced by federal and state water councils, but public participation is limited to formal hearings and allocation meetings. Transparency of permit information rests on the issuing authority, and broader community involvement remains weak.

At the national level, Brazil faces a growing climate crisis that is prompting calls to redesign urban spaces. Only 13% of municipalities have published climate‑adaptation plans, far below the federal goal of 35% by 2035. Experts argue that traditional flood control methods are insufficient and that green infrastructure, protection of watersheds, and inclusive planning are needed to protect vulnerable populations and ensure sustainable development.