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FAPESP and the Sustainable Development Goals

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SDG 13 Climate Action

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SDG 13 Climate Action

Illegal gold mines can emit 3.5 tons of carbon per hectare and concentrate mercury in the soil
SDG 13
Illegal gold mines can emit 3.5 tons of carbon per hectare and concentrate mercury in the soil

Researchers from the University of São Paulo (USP) and collaborators analyzed samples from mining areas in four Brazilian biomes, including the Amazon.


El Niño exacerbates effects of drought on Amazon groundwater and increases fire risk, study finds
SDG 13
El Niño exacerbates effects of drought on Amazon groundwater and increases fire risk, study finds

Researchers have been able to demonstrate a link between the climatic phenomenon and the propensity for fires, creating a tool that could help with future prevention efforts.


Scientists assess how reptiles and amphibians are coping with climate change on an island in the state of Roraima, Brazil
SDG 13, SDG 15
Scientists assess how reptiles and amphibians are coping with climate change on an island in the state of Roraima, Brazil

An expedition to the Maracá Ecological Station, about 130 kilometers from the capital Boa Vista, collected more than 400 specimens to study how these animals are coping with the temperature increases predicted for the coming decades. The work is part of the Amazon+10 Initiative.


Study shows possible reduction in pollutant emissions from diesel-electric vessels
SDG 7, SDG 9, SDG 13
Study shows possible reduction in pollutant emissions from diesel-electric vessels

Using a mathematical model, researchers at the Research Center for Greenhouse Gas Innovation demonstrated a potential reduction of more than 15% in polluting gases.


Emerging countries can contribute almost half the target for reduction of CO2 emissions from global transportation
SDG 7, SDG 13
Emerging countries can contribute almost half the target for reduction of CO2 emissions from global transportation

The use of biofuels in Brazil and other developing countries can avoid some 400 million metric tons of greenhouse gas emissions from the transportation sector by 2030, according to a report produced by an International Energy Agency task force led by researchers affiliated with the FAPESP Bioenergy Research Program.


World’s first ethanol-to-hydrogen conversion plant completed at the University of São Paulo
SDG 7, SDG 13
World’s first ethanol-to-hydrogen conversion plant completed at the University of São Paulo

The fuel produced at the experimental station will power three city buses that will circulate around the university campus, as well as a bus that can drive 450 Km on a to and fro travel between São Paulo and Piracicaba.


Registration opens for São Paulo School of Advanced Science in Structural Safety
SDG 9, SDG 13
Registration opens for São Paulo School of Advanced Science in Structural Safety

International event will be held on May 3-16, 2025, at the University of São Paulo’s campus in São Carlos.


Water overuse in MATOPIBA could mean failure to meet up to 40% of local demand for crop irrigation
SDG 2, SDG 13
Water overuse in MATOPIBA could mean failure to meet up to 40% of local demand for crop irrigation

Overuse of water resources in Brazil’s main agricultural frontier region, in conjunction with climate change, is reducing replenishment of the Urucuia aquifer and surface water bodies in the basin of a tributary of the São Francisco, the largest river in the Northeast.


Research supported by FAPESP underpins financing mechanism for climate action in São Paulo
SDG 13
Research supported by FAPESP underpins financing mechanism for climate action in São Paulo

Scientists from the BIOTA Synthesis project helped develop the strategy that uses blended finance to promote the restoration and conservation of ecosystems in the state.


Desertification in Brazilian semi-arid biome reduces soil functionality by more than 50%
SDG 13, SDG 15
Desertification in Brazilian semi-arid biome reduces soil functionality by more than 50%

Research focusing on the Caatinga shows that by restoring the soil, it is possible to achieve quality levels close to those that existed before human interference.


Climate change can alter methane emission and uptake in the Amazon
SDG 13
Climate change can alter methane emission and uptake in the Amazon

Researchers at the University of São Paulo conducted an experiment to observe the effects on soil samples of extreme conditions in terms of temperature and rainfall in the laboratory. Their findings show that the balance of greenhouse gas emissions from microbial decomposition of organic matter may change.


Study shows how emissions from Brazilian Pantanal’s soda lakes contribute to climate change
SDG 13
Study shows how emissions from Brazilian Pantanal’s soda lakes contribute to climate change

Characterized by high pH and salinity, these water bodies have practically dried up because of rising temperatures, changing rainfall patterns, and wildfires. The findings show how the local microbial community and other factors influence greenhouse gas emissions.


Brazil must reinforce protection of forests to meet climate change mitigation goals, study warns
SDG 13
Brazil must reinforce protection of forests to meet climate change mitigation goals, study warns

In an article published in Perspectives in Ecology and Conservation, researchers affiliated with the National Space Research Institute (INPE) and the National Disaster Surveillance and Early Warning Center (CEMADEN) in Brazil discuss CO2 emission reduction challenges and solutions.


Deforestation in the Amazon is driven more by domestic demand than by the export market
SDG 13, SDG 15
Deforestation in the Amazon is driven more by domestic demand than by the export market

A study by the University of São Paulo shows that expansion of cattle ranching to meet growing domestic demand has contributed more than any other driver to the elimination or degradation of the Amazon’s original vegetation, followed by expanding croplands and urbanization.


Agricultural sector is strategic for action to mitigate climate change, says NASA scientist
SDG 12, SDG 13
Agricultural sector is strategic for action to mitigate climate change, says NASA scientist

Alex Ruane delivered the 7th FAPESP Lecture 2024 on “Climate Change and Food Security”


Wildfires highlight urgent need for action to understand, mitigate and adapt to climate change
SDG 13, SDG 14, SDG 15
Wildfires highlight urgent need for action to understand, mitigate and adapt to climate change

Researchers affiliated with the FAPESP Research Program on Global Climate Change met at the State University of Campinas in Brazil to discuss current research priorities in the effort to understand and combat the consequences of the extreme events caused by global warming.


Climate change has increased frequency and intensity of conditions favorable to extreme wildfires, report shows
SDG 12, SDG 13, SDG 15
Climate change has increased frequency and intensity of conditions favorable to extreme wildfires, report shows

A report by an international group of researchers including three Brazilians shows that climate change tripled the probability of weather conditions favoring unprecedented wildfires in Canada and multiplied it by a factor of 20 in western Amazonia between March 2023 and February 2024. Global carbon emissions were 16% above average.


In a book, a scientist narrates a journey through the Anthropocene, with an optimistic ending
SDG 13
In a book, a scientist narrates a journey through the Anthropocene, with an optimistic ending

A member of the Center for Research on Biodiversity Dynamics and Climate Change, Mauro Galetti uses his experience from his undergraduate studies in biology to his most recent studies in ecology to tell stories in accessible language that inspire readers to fight for the planet.


Sustainable agricultural systems reduce greenhouse gas emissions
SDG 2, SDG 13
Sustainable agricultural systems reduce greenhouse gas emissions

Scientists at the University of São Paulo present this conclusion based on a systematic review of the literature in a paper published in the Journal of Cleaner Production.


A book on challenges to an inclusive bioeconomy in the Amazon
SDG 2, SDG 8, SDG 10, SDG 11, SDG 13
A book on challenges to an inclusive bioeconomy in the Amazon

Thirty-two experts affiliated with academic and research institutions in the North, Northeast and Southeast regions of Brazil wrote its 12 chapters.


Treatment with smoke can favor seed germination in the Cerrado
SDG 13, SDG 15
Treatment with smoke can favor seed germination in the Cerrado

The study investigated the effect of two concentrations of smoke on seeds of 44 species typical of the Brazilian savanna-like biome. The results could be used in management and restoration strategies.


Tool lists most effective strategies for increasing climate awareness and action
SDG 13
Tool lists most effective strategies for increasing climate awareness and action

The international study involved more than 59,000 participants from 63 countries, including Brazil. By analyzing interventions that most influence people’s behavior, the work resulted in the creation of a tool that can be used by policymakers and environmental advocacy groups.


Study maps challenges and points to guidelines for restoration of Cerrado
SDG 13, SDG 15
Study maps challenges and points to guidelines for restoration of Cerrado

Researchers at the State University of Campinas and collaborators analyzed data from 82 areas of the Brazilian savanna biome located in five states and the Federal District. The results showed that recovering the biome’s extraordinary diversity requires a combination of several restoration techniques as well as conservation of what has not yet been destroyed.


Study proposes changes to simplify legislation on Atlantic Rainforest biome and enhance conservation
SDG 13
Study proposes changes to simplify legislation on Atlantic Rainforest biome and enhance conservation

Lack of a method to classify forest succession stages in the applicable legislation allows for destruction of forest areas that provide important ecosystem services. The authors propose changes to make measurements more accurate and eliminate a step in permit applications that is ineffective and costly for landowners.


Floods in Rio Grande do Sul reveal flaws in Brazil’s disaster risk management policy
SDG 13, SDG 16
Floods in Rio Grande do Sul reveal flaws in Brazil’s disaster risk management policy

State coordination will be essential to overcome the problems in the southern Brazilian state of Rio Grande do Sul, as Acre’s experience with floods shows.


News about research projects funded by FAPESP and articulated with the SDGs: