Floods and Patterns of Poverty in Brazil

LONDON, United Kingdom — In 2024, devastating floods in southern Brazil displaced thousands, exposing the deep connections between poverty, urban planning and environmental vulnerability. With 33% of Brazilians living below the poverty line, the most marginalized communities face the greatest risks.

In an interview with The Borgen Project, Diomira Faria, a Professor of Economics at the Federal University of Minas Gerais, shared her insights on the systemic factors contributing to these crises. Drawing on the work of Nobel laureate Amartya Sen, Faria explored the complexities of poverty in Brazil, housing inequalities and the role of urban planning in mitigating disaster risks.

Understanding the Concept of Poverty

Faria emphasized the importance of understanding poverty beyond income deprivation. “While poverty does not solely entail income, it is the main cause of associated deprivations,” she explained. Absolute poverty relates to basic survival needs, measured by indicators such as income per capita or a consumption basket.

“Absolute poverty is related to the deprivation of needs linked to the bare minimum for survival. Let’s say it’s everything we need to avoid dying,” Faria said. However, relative poverty extends this concept by considering the social and cultural norms of a given society. “Relative poverty will define needs that must be met based on a predominant way of life in a particular society,” she added.

Social exclusion further expands the concept of poverty by highlighting the barriers that prevent individuals from participating fully in society. “Many people cannot participate in the city where they are because they lack the conditions to insert themselves. They lack various skills; income is one of them,” Faria noted, linking systemic inequalities in education and access to resources to cycles of deprivation.

Housing and Urbanization: The Cost of Inequality

Faria described how housing inequalities force low-income populations into high-risk areas, leaving them vulnerable to environmental disasters. “If they cannot afford to buy or rent anything, they will settle in areas that are forgotten,” she explained.

In Belo Horizonte, poor families occupy hilltops. These areas were not initially intended for construction, due to the high cost of land in urbanized zones. Similarly, in Porto Alegre, low-income communities live near rivers and streams, which flood during heavy rains. “During a rain, instead of these areas being unoccupied to absorb water, they are occupied with housing. Water drainage becomes even more difficult,” Faria said.

Floods and the Vicious Cycle of Poverty

The 2024 Brazil floods highlighted how marginalized populations bear the brunt of natural disasters. “Who is the first to be affected? Those living on the margins, residing near these large streams and riverbeds,” Faria noted. She emphasized the role of urban planning in mitigating such risks. Parks and recreational areas near rivers can serve as flood buffers while providing communities with safe spaces. “When heavy rains occur, nobody goes out to play sports, so these areas remain empty, allowing water to flow freely,” she explained.

Addressing Inequalities to Build Resilience

Faria outlined strategies to reduce poverty and build resilience in vulnerable communities. Income distribution remains a fundamental priority. “That’s where the need to support individuals comes in—to lift them out of absolute poverty by giving them the fundamental minimum,” she said. Access to quality education, health care and housing must also improve. Faria stressed the importance of empowering individuals to make informed decisions and adapt to challenges. “People must develop the skills to become autonomous in their lives,” she emphasized.

A Sustainable Path Forward

Brazil’s challenges with poverty, urban planning and environmental risks demand a comprehensive and coordinated approach. Addressing these ongoing issues requires equitable income distribution, investment in essential services and urban planning reforms that prioritize safety and sustainability. Indeed, by empowering marginalized communities and creating infrastructure that accounts for environmental cycles, Brazil can potentially mitigate future disasters and reduce inequality. These ongoing efforts, as Faria highlighted, are essential to ensuring resilience and stability for the nation’s most vulnerable populations, and reducing poverty in Brazil.

– Beatriz Cicci

Beatriz is based in London, UK and focuses on Good News and Politics for The Borgen Project.

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