Urban planning and the protection of green spaces for climate change adaptation in São Paulo. Lessons and best practices from a megalopolis in the Global South

Abstract

This chapter focuses on urban planning in Brazil, with São Paulo serving as an example. It outlines the factors linked to climate change and discusses various adaptation measures implemented through public policies at different levels. This chapter also highlights case studies that illustrate the protection and development of green spaces within the city. A significant aspect of the analysis is the emergence of social conflicts, particularly relevant in a country where there is a broader movement to realise the concept of the “right to the city”. However, such a context also reveals stark instances of climate injustice that are both evident and concerning. Additionally, this chapter examines the spatial planning instruments employed in São Paulo, providing insights into their effectiveness and implications for urban development.