Afuá: A Car-Free Town in the Amazon Leads the Way to Net Zero Emissions

In the heart of Brazil's Amazon rainforest, a small town is proving that going car-free might just be the key to tackling climate change. Afuá, known as the "Venice of the Amazon" due to its waterways and lack of roads, has been setting an example for sustainable living since 2002 when it banned motor vehicles. Now, its mayor, Odimar Wanderley Salomão, is pushing even further, aiming for net zero emissions by promoting cycling as the primary mode of transportation.

Por: Brazilcore

Afuá: A Car-Free Town in the Amazon Leads the Way to Net Zero Emissions

In a recent article published by NPR, Mac Margolis, a longtime reporter, columnist, and scriptwriter covering Latin America, interviewed Mayor Salomão -- also called "Mazinho" -- on his vision for Afuá as a beacon of sustainability not just for the Amazon but for the world. With one bicycle per capita and a population accustomed to navigating the city's narrow streets by bike, Afuá stands out in a region still heavily reliant on fossil fuel-driven urbanization.

Afuá

The decision to ban cars wasn't just about environmental concerns

The decision to ban cars wasn't just about environmental concerns; it was also about practicality. Much of Afuá is built on stilts above floodplains, making traditional road infrastructure impractical. Instead, the town relies on boats, bicycles, and bicycle-taxis for transportation.

Afuá

However, Afuá still faces challenges. Poverty and infrastructure deficiencies persist, with many residents lacking access to basic services like running water and sewage. The town relies on federal tax transfers to meet its financial needs, and like many Amazonian cities, it struggles with poverty and income inequality.

Afuá