Page 21 - UmRio Sustainability - Action Plan

OPPORTUNITIES & RISK

OPPORTUNITIES & RISK

This section discusses opportunities and risks related to integrating climate change
resilience within the existing 5 Pillars of UmRio. Implementing climate change resilience
strategies and tactics within the existing 5 Pillars provides a way for UmRio to address
resident needs before they arise, mainly since these needs will only increase as the
effects of climate change become more apparent and hit the most vulnerable
residents, such as favelados, first. However, there are also several risks UmRio faces by
implementing the Plan, some of which include lack of funding, straying from their core
mission, and difficulties navigating initiatives that may bring them in contact with
businesses that are controlled by or have interactions with local drug gangs.

OPPORTUNITIES AND RISKS ASSOCIATED WITH IMPLEMENTING THIS SAP PLAN WERE
IDENTIFIED AS:

Opportunities

1 Address an Important Element of Social Justice – Sustainability initiatives
complement social justice efforts by addressing environmental justice, which
favela residents face daily. UmRio families and favela residents face
disproportionate effects from climate change and environmental racism.
Empowering them with information, tools, and financial support to become
more resilient to adverse impacts will allow them to improve their quality of life
and autonomy over their lives.

2 Create Funding and Partnership Opportunities – Incorporating climate
change resilience into UmRio’s 5 Pillars can open up new funding avenues from
organizations and donors focused on environmental and social justice
endeavors. Because the challenges for favela residents are multi-faceted, no
single effort will help make them more climate change resilient. Building
partnerships with environmental NGOs, government agencies, and private
sector entities interested in sustainability could provide more expertise,
momentum, and resources to enhance the overall mission of UmRio.

3 Build a Strong Sense of Community – Sustainability projects, such as
renewable energy installations, composting, or recycling programs, offer
tangible and intangible benefits to residents and communities. Residents can
see the physical improvements from sustainability projects, but these projects
also create a sense of community, ownership, and pride. These feelings can
inspire residents to take initiative in other areas that can improve their physical
and social lives.

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