The eighth city of Brazil, known worldwide for its urban planning, its innovations in the field of organic farming, its transport network and its quality of life, has lost in recent years some of the capacity for innovation that distinguished it in the 1970s and 1980s. However, it remains a prominent case in the analysis of urban sustainability.
You might think that we are at the end of a myth, but it is not that simple. Although Curitiba was once considered the model city of Latin America Due to its advances in transportation and sustainability, it now faces challenges similar to those of other large Brazilian metropolises: population explosion and urban expansion. These typically anarchic difficulties have affected many cities, but Curitiba remains a benchmark in many key aspects.
Between the years 1970 and 2023, the población Curitiba's population has grown exponentially, from 650.000 to more than 1,850,000 inhabitants. This increase in population has brought with it serious problems of congestion and pollution, which are added to growing social inequality. In the marginal neighborhoods of the south of the city, for example, the proliferation of irregular settlements since the 80s has generated significant pockets of poverty. poverty.
Curitiba's sustainability story
Curitiba's sustainable development was not accidental. In the 70s, the mayor Jaime Lerner promoted a clear vision: to make Curitiba a city ​​on a human scale. Under this philosophy, public transport and pedestrian areas were given priority over private cars, creating spaces where people could move around easily. In this way, the historic centre was pedestrianised with the creation of the 'XV Street Pavement', the first pedestrian street in Brazil.
One of the most notable innovations was the development of the exclusive bus system Bus Rapid Transit (BRT)This system was revolutionary for its time: biarticulated buses ran on dedicated lanes and used advanced stations where passengers paid before boarding. This efficiency increased transport capacity, reduced carbon emissions, and the system was replicated in cities around the world, such as Bogotá and Mexico City.
Curitiba also stands out for its network of parks and green areas, with 52 m² of green areas per inhabitant, far exceeding the 15m² recommended by the WHO. With more than 28 parks and forests, the city has done an exemplary job in restoring quarries and industrial areas to turn them into public green areas.
Continuous innovations
Despite recent challenges, Curitiba continues to innovate. One example is the platform Smart Curitiba, which digitizes municipal services and allows citizens to access online procedures. In addition, the expansion of applications to optimize public transportation and monitor traffic in real time helps mitigate congestion problems.
Another outstanding project is the PlanClima, framed in the fight against the climate change. This plan includes the transition to electric buses and initiatives such as the creation of the Solar Pyramid, a solar plant installed on a former landfill that now generates renewable energy.
Since 2024, the city has also been working on implementing fully electric buses, a key measure not only to improve environmental sustainability, but also to address mobility challenges.
Education and citizen participation
A crucial part of Curitiba's success has been its educational approach. From early on, the administration has promoted environmental education. School programs and public campaigns raise awareness about issues such as recycling. In fact, the city has reached a recycling rate of 70%, thanks to collection points and recycling cooperatives.
The program 'Green Change', where citizens can exchange recyclable waste for food, has played a decisive role in social inclusion. This programme not only manages waste efficiently, but also offers a support network to the most disadvantaged communities, combining sustainability and social aid.
Urban mobility and sustainable transport
Curitiba's transportation system remains one of the most advanced in Latin America. GRT, which was pioneered in 1974, has evolved over the years. One of the main advances is the Inter 2 or Ligeirinho, buses that take faster and more comfortable routes, which has improved transport efficiency and reduced travel times on long journeys.
Curitiba is also committed to active mobility: it has more than 100 kilometers of cycle paths, which encourages the use of bicycles and reduces dependence on private vehicles. In addition, with the implementation of new electric bus routes in 2024, it is estimated that 70% of citizens will not depend on private cars.
The city has also integrated advanced technologies into transport management, with digital systems that allow users to check routes and waiting times in real time. These technologies improve the efficiency and accessibility of the transport system.
It is worth highlighting the implementation of the bike sharing system, which reinforces Curitiba's commitment to sustainability. With smart stations and electric bicycles operated by Tembici, the city promotes healthy transportation, reducing CO emissions2.
Despite the challenges, Curitiba continues to support inclusive urban planning, which prioritizes people and encourages a greener lifestyle. The implementation of public policies that seek to reduce dependence on private cars has transformed Curitiba into a friendlier and more connected city.
Curitiba remains an example of sustainable urban planning. With innovative measures and active citizen participation, the city has managed to maintain its position as a global benchmark in terms of sustainability, environmental education and urban mobility. But despite its success, it faces challenges common to large cities, such as social inequality and population growth.