Climate Adaptation and Resilience Plan for the Foz do Rio Itajaí BRT and Vulnerable Waterfront Areas

The Foz do Rio Itajaí Region sought to enhance the resilience of its Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) infrastructure in the face of climate risks, particularly focusing on the waterfront areas of Balneário Camboriú, Itajaí, Camboriú, and Navegantes. The challenge was to assess the climate risks affecting the region, identify vulnerable areas, and develop a comprehensive Climate Adaptation & Resilience Plan (CARP) to safeguard the BRT system. The project aimed to integrate climate resilience strategies into the technical design of the infrastructure, ensuring that it can withstand future climate impacts while promoting adaptation co-benefits. Through this approach, the plan will support the preparation and implementation of climate-resilient transit solutions in Brazil, contributing to long-term sustainability and increased climate resilience in urban transport systems.

MCRIT conducted a detailed assessment of the extreme weather-related risks impacting the BRT system and surrounding areas. We mapped and evaluated the vulnerability of key infrastructure to climate-related disasters, including assessing future risk scenarios under varying climate conditions. Our team benchmarked the integration of the Disaster Risk Management (DRM) systems with the BRT’s operational control center, ensuring that both systems work in synergy for optimal resilience. Based on these findings, we developed a comprehensive Climate Adaptation and Resilience Action Plan, outlining specific actions to strengthen the BRT system and its surrounding areas against future climate risks. This plan is aimed at ensuring the long-term sustainability and resilience of the transport infrastructure in the face of growing climate challenges.