Key Takeaways
- Crowdfunding and Global Call for Solutions: South Summit has launched a crowdfunding campaign and a Global Call for Solutions to support Rio Grande do Sul after severe flooding.
- International Collaboration: The initiative aims to mobilize South Summit’s global network to aid over 2 million people affected by the catastrophe.
- Support for Local Organizations: Funds will go to Instituto Cultural Floresta and Instituto Caldeira, focusing on immediate needs and long-term rebuilding efforts.
- Climate Change Awareness: The campaign highlights the urgent need to address climate change impacts through innovative solutions.
- Startup Participation: The initiative is open to startups and companies worldwide that can contribute to sustainable and resilient development in the region.
South Summit Launches Crowdfunding and Global Call for Solutions to Aid Rio Grande do Sul
In a move to support Rio Grande do Sul, recently struck by one of Brazil’s most severe environmental disasters, South Summit has launched a crowdfunding campaign and a Global Call for Solutions. The initiative aims to activate its extensive international network to aid more than 2 million people directly affected by the devastating floods in May 2024, which impacted over 90% of the state’s cities.
A Collaborative Effort for Relief and Recovery
South Summit, a global platform originating in Spain over a decade ago and now bridging Porto Alegre, Brazil, with the world, seeks to unite its efforts to address the crisis. The crowdfunding campaign, facilitated through Brazil Foundation, is accessible worldwide via this link.
María Benjumea, founder and president of South Summit, emphasized the urgency of the situation, stating, “We are experiencing first-hand the harsh and sad impact of climate change. That’s why, now more than ever, it’s urgent to respond to this global crisis that affects everyone with the best innovations and technologies that we already have at our fingertips through the entrepreneurial and innovative ecosystem.”
The funds raised will support Instituto Cultural Floresta and Instituto Caldeira, both on the front lines of recovery efforts. Initial contributions will address basic needs such as food and hygiene kits, while subsequent funding will assist in rebuilding infrastructure directly affected by the flooding.
Understanding the Environmental Catastrophe
Jefferson Cardia Simões, a full professor of Glaciology and Polar Geography at UFRGS, explained the geographical factors contributing to the disaster: “Rio Grande do Sul is in a geographical position subject to the clash of air masses coming from Antarctica and tropical air masses coming from the north. In the May event, a strong heat pocket acted as a large wall blocking the passage of cold fronts, diverting moisture from the Atlantic Ocean and the Amazon and causing more rainfall.”
Long-Term and Strategic Support
The campaign is designed for long-term support, with recurring transfers to ensure donations meet the most urgent needs. José Renato Hopf, president of South Summit Brazil, underscored the importance of global collaboration: “I really believe that the power of collaboration will make all the difference to our future. We need all the help we can get and, with this initiative, we’ve managed to enable a global mobilization of awareness and support.”
Engaging the Global Community
The #SOSouth: Global Call for Solutions initiative invites startups and companies worldwide to contribute to rebuilding Rio Grande do Sul. Applications are open until July 31, 2024, focusing on three key challenges:
- Green Economy: Sustainable Industry, Sustainable Agriculture, Circular Economy, and Green Hydrogen.
- Climate Resilience: Urban Water Management and Flood Mitigation.
- Digitalization and AI: Efficient Public Services and Smart Agriculture.
Interested parties can register here.
Raising Climate Change Awareness
The campaign also aims to raise awareness about the broader impacts of climate change. Jefferson Simões pointed out, “The scenarios for the coming years indicate an increase in climate variability and a greater frequency of floods and droughts. These extreme events cannot be explained by seasonal variations and natural processes alone. Everything points to greater warming of the atmosphere and the surface of the oceans.”
Join the Effort
The #SOSouth: Global Call for Solutions campaign and the South Summit crowdfunding efforts are ongoing. Contributions can be made here. Follow the actions of Instituto Cultural Floresta and Instituto Caldeira on social media for updates on their efforts.
