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Is there metal in the water?

Duration: 0:41:45.430204

The podcast episode discusses concerns about contaminants, specifically metallic pollutants, potentially present in treated drinking water, which exceed permissible limits. The host, Letícia Sarturi, a scientist with expertise in immunology and biochemistry, introduces Professor Derval dos Santos Rosa, who leads a research project focused on ecological solutions to decontaminate water. Professor Rosa shares his background in chemistry and engineering and emphasizes his long-standing commitment to environmental issues, particularly regarding plastic waste and its impact. His current research aims to address the presence of soluble metallic particles in the environment, which can cause various health problems. He describes a collaborative research project involving approximately 20 experts from various universities, including those in Brazil and abroad. The team's work encompasses understanding the phenomena related to metal contamination and developing practical filtration devices to remove harmful ions from drinking water. The discussion highlights the importance of science in tackling societal problems and emphasizes that researchers are driven by a passion for their work and commitment to finding solutions to environmental challenges.

Language: Brazilian Portuguese
Topics: EnvironmentEnvironmental Solutions for Water Contamination

Record heatwave: the facts that marked the year 2024

Duration: 0:06:49.330113

In a segment on CBN Radio, Marco Bravo discusses key environmental and sustainability issues that emerged in 2024. He highlights several pressing problems: 1. **Record Heat Waves**: The planet experienced its highest recorded temperatures, particularly in Europe, exceeding 50 degrees Celsius. This impacted agriculture, public health, and biodiversity, prompting a call for communities to prepare for extreme temperatures. 2. **Deforestation in the Amazon**: Unfortunately, deforestation rates increased by 15% from the previous year, with wildfires affecting areas as large as the state of Rio Grande do Sul. The Amazon's significance in regulating climate and rainfall in Latin America is underscored. 3. **Plastic Pollution**: A staggering 12 million tons of plastic were dumped into oceans, contributing to the pervasive microplastic contamination affecting marine life and humans, leading to health concerns. 4. **Water Crisis**: Major cities like Jakarta faced severe water shortages, and Brazil experienced its worst drought on record, highlighting the need for responsible water consumption. 5. **Extreme Weather Events**: The year was marked by intense hurricanes, floods, and droughts, stressing the complexity of climate events and the importance of international policies. Bravo also references the COP29 discussions, which aimed to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius. As temperatures have already reached this threshold, the focus shifts to supporting developing nations facing climate-related losses. He encourages reflection on advancements in green technology, such as electric vehicles and renewable energy sources, and emphasizes the importance of conservation and biodiversity efforts in Brasil and the EU. Moreover, Bravo promotes the idea of reducing single-use plastics and adopting reusable items, as well as fostering grassroots movements and environmental education led by youth. In conclusion, he urges listeners to consider how they can contribute positively to addressing these challenges as 2024 comes to an end.

Language: Brazilian Portuguese
Topics: Environmental ChallengesClimate Change and COP29

Dengue: they are lying to you!

Duration: 0:19:58.210612

Before the episode begins, the host requests assistance from listeners to support the weekly production of the podcast "Escutar Ciência." They encourage followers to evaluate and recommend the podcast, which aims to spread scientific knowledge. Support can also come through financial contributions, starting at R$2, which grants access to a group for direct contact with the podcast creators. The host discusses concerns over the rising cases of dengue in Brazil, with over 500,000 confirmed and probable cases reported this year, particularly in states like Minas Gerais and Rio de Janeiro. The episode features Letícia Sarturi, a master in immunology and doctor in biosciences, who addresses common questions about dengue. It explains how the disease is transmitted by the Aedes aegypti mosquito, specifically the infected female, which requires blood for egg maturation. The historical context of dengue is also discussed, revealing that the mosquito has been present in Brazil since the 19th century and that dengue has become an endemic issue in the country. The dialogue touches on environmental factors, such as deforestation and global warming, which may contribute to an increase in mosquito populations in urban areas, creating conditions for the spread of dengue. As temperatures rise, mosquito life cycles are accelerated, ultimately leading to a higher risk of transmission. The episode emphasizes that a significant portion of mosquito breeding sites are found in human habitats, increasing the potential for dengue outbreaks.

Language: Brazilian Portuguese
Topics: Support for "Escutar Ciência" and Podcast FundingDengue Transmission and Environmental Impact

#Dell: Lack of professionals and digital exclusion are the biggest bottlenecks for the technology industry in Brazil

Duration: 0:24:41.652000

The Bantec 2022 event, the largest technology and innovation gathering in the financial sector in Latin America, will take place from August 9 to 11 at the Bienal in São Paulo's Ibirapuera Park, featuring 200 speakers and various panels. Attendees can register at brabantech.com. Diego Puerta, representing Dell, discusses the company’s commitment to local production, producing 95% of its products in Brazil, including servers, desktops, laptops, and storage units. While multinational firms closed operations in Brazil during the pandemic, Dell chose to invest further in the country. Puerta explains how the pandemic accelerated the demand for technology, as people adapted to remote work and learning, highlighting the increased significance of PCs as productivity tools. He notes that technology is crucial in post-pandemic recovery and maintaining connections among people and businesses, despite ongoing challenges like digital exclusion and a lack of qualified labor. Dell aims to overcome these barriers by leveraging local production and ensuring competitiveness in the Brazilian market. The company's Brazilian factory serves as a key asset, enhancing its ability to deliver technology that fosters human development.

Language: Brazilian Portuguese
Topics: Dengue Transmission and Environmental ImpactSupport for "Escutar Ciência" and Podcast Funding

City in Motion #8: Urban Tree Planting

Duration: 0:05:12.032653

According to data from the São Paulo City Hall, 26% of the city's territory is composed of areas designated for environmental preservation. The presence of vegetation plays a crucial role in mitigating issues such as flooding, air pollution, and heat islands, while also providing psychological benefits to the population. However, experts agree that the current level of urban greening in São Paulo is insufficient and inadequately managed. Problems like flooding, heat islands, and power outages due to falling trees continue to persist. Helena Ribeiro, a professor at the Faculty of Public Health at USP, emphasizes the significance of trees in shaping the atmospheric environment, which pertains to climate aspects and air composition. Urban greening serves as a filter for airborne pollutants and helps reduce pollution levels. The phenomenon of heat islands, where urban areas with less vegetation experience higher temperatures compared to greener neighborhoods, is also evident in São Paulo. Additionally, the condition of sidewalks in the city hinders proper tree planting due to the presence of concrete that restricts root growth and can lead to structural damage. Professor Demóstenes suggests that innovative technological solutions, such as permeable pavements, could address issues of flooding and energy outages while allowing for suitable tree growth. These solutions, although used abroad, have yet to be implemented in Brazil. This episode of "Cidade em Movimento" features insights from professors Henrique Ferreira and Helena Ribeiro, discussing urban issues and potential solutions. More information on urban problems and solutions can be found at jornal.usp.br.

Language: Brazilian Portuguese
Topics: Urban Greening and Environmental Challenges in São PauloInnovative Solutions for Sustainable City Infrastructure

Environment is the Means #18: Fragmented climate agenda could bring even more impacts to the environment

Duration: 0:28:16.156735

The radio program "Ambiente" aired by Rádio USP features a conversation with Olivia Ainbinder, a lawyer specializing in climate change and environmental law. Olivia discusses her journey into politics, her experience working with the Instituto Talanoa, and their project "Política por Inteiro," which monitors environmental policies and climate change using artificial intelligence to analyze government actions. She mentions her previous roles in various organizations and her founding of an initiative focused on climate change law. The conversation shifts to the challenges in Brazilian environmental policy, highlighting the fragmented nature of climate change agendas among legislators. Olivia points out that although there are groups like the Parliamentary Front for Environmentalists, a cohesive "climate caucus" is lacking. She notes that climate issues are often overshadowed by competing priorities in Congress, such as health and education, which complicates the legislative process. Olivia emphasizes the urgency of addressing climate change, referencing a recent report from the IPCC warning that the world is approaching unacceptable warming levels. The discussion wraps up with Olivia advocating for increased awareness and action in the legislative sphere, stressing the importance of monitoring both executive and legislative actions to safeguard environmental policies.

Language: Brazilian Portuguese
Topics: AI in Climate Change Monitoring: "Política por Inteiro" ProjectChallenges in Brazilian Environmental Policy and Legislative Action