Lessons from times of tragedy: solidarity alone does not drive change.

While Rio Grande do Sul faces the painful consequences of the floods that ravaged the state, a remarkable movement of solidarity is spreading throughout Brazil. It is a familiar scene in our country: when a region is hit by a catastrophe, Brazilians come together to help each other. We are, without a doubt, a supportive people. However, behind this gesture there is an undeniable shadow: the lack of effective preparation to face increasingly frequent climate disasters. I will go further: the lack of a national public policy that shortens the bureaucratic path to raising emergency funds, something that the gravity of situations like this requires.

The recent flooding in Rio Grande do Sul is not an isolated incident. In 2023, the state had already faced similar situations, albeit less severe, demonstrating the recurrence of these events and the urgent need for robust preventive measures. While we come together to help those affected, which is essential, we must also question what is being done to prevent such tragedies from happening again in the future.

When we look beyond our borders, we see other countries implementing significant measures to deal with natural disasters. Countries such as the Netherlands, Japan, and New Zealand invest in advanced flood prevention systems, such as dams, early warning systems, and efficient drainage structures. They learn from their own experiences and from the challenges faced by other nations.

However, it is unfortunate to note that, even in the face of global evidence and examples, Brazil still lacks an effective response to these challenges. While we engage in heated political debates about the government's guilt and responsibility, promises of change rarely materialize after the clamor of the situation subsides.

It is important to note that these tragedies are not unique to Rio Grande do Sul. Petrópolis, in Rio de Janeiro, and the northern coast of São Paulo are just some of the regions that suffer from similar problems. The lack of investment in infrastructure and prevention in these risk areas is a reflection of continued negligence in dealing with climate change and its devastating consequences. It is unacceptable that, with so many repeated examples, risk areas are still occupied by irregular housing and that warning systems for the population are not fully operational. Today, I came across the news that Anatel will now implement a new warning system that will reach everyone, not just those who are registered. This is definitely a long overdue measure.

Given this scenario, it is essential that society demand concrete action from our political leaders. After all, this is an election year. It is imperative that voters cast their ballots for candidates who present real plans for preventing climate-related accidents in their regions. It is at the height of democracy, during elections, that the population has the most power to impose its will. Now, then, is the time to bring this issue to the forefront. We can no longer tolerate inaction and empty promises. It is time to invest in preventive measures, such as building dams, strengthening warning systems, and mapping risk areas. We no longer have time to politicize the debate. Catastrophes like this should unite opposites and put an end to differences among politicians. Something that I definitely do not see. There were attacks on the first lady, on the government of Rio de Janeiro, and even on Madonna, who on the same weekend as the tragedy performed for more than 1.6 million people at a free concert on Copacabana Beach. I don't want to get into whether or not it was appropriate to hold such an event. But I do want to ask: are these really the issues that should be hotly debated?

My answer is emphatically no. It makes me pessimistic and discouraged to see that the population and politicians are getting lost in ideological issues and forgetting to create a practical, urgent, and feasible agenda of measures to not only help the population currently suffering from the problem, but also to prevent such destruction when we face new natural threats. While we stand in solidarity with the victims of the floods in Rio Grande do Sul, we must turn our compassion into action. We need to demand real and lasting changes to face the challenges of climate catastrophes. It is not empty promises or unusual attacks that will bring about the conditions for us to become a more resilient country, prepared for the difficult times that will inevitably come.