This story by Cristina Índio Do Brasil was originally pusblished in Agência Brasil

The government of Rio de Janeiro and the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ) signed on Tuesday (15) an agreement for the implementation of the Rio Clima II Program, which will develop actions to combat the impacts of climate change. The duration of the project, which will have a contribution of R$ 4 million, is two years.

According to the state government, the update of the State Plan for Mitigation and Adaptation to Climate Change is one of the measures provided for in the partnership, as well as "the creation of the Climate Risk and Vulnerabilities Management Portal, and the conduct of studies focused on carbon compensation in the areas of agriculture, forests and land use". The program also includes the creation of a forest credit certification system for the State of Rio de Janeiro.

For Governor Cláudio Castro, who signed the agreement by the Rio de Janeiro administration, the partnership with UFRJ will make it possible to improve communication, transparency, planning and identification of the state's social and environmental vulnerabilities.

"The environmental issue and adaptation to climate change are urgent priorities. We are acting urgently to reduce the impacts, ensuring more security for the Rio de Janeiro population," he said in a text released by the state government.

In order to strengthen the management instruments intended for sustainable development, the Rio Clima II Program, which is a continuity of Rio Clima I, will seek, at this stage, the identification of the social and environmental vulnerabilities of the state. "The partnership with the International Virtual Institute of Global Change of UFRJ will allow the realization of studies and projects aimed at decarbonization, adaptation and climate resilience," said the government of Rio.

The Secretary of State for the Environment and Sustainability, Bernardo Rossi, highlighted that the effects of climate change have been increasingly devastating for economies, ways of life, health, ecosystems and infrastructure. "The collaboration between the Executive Branch and the academy, with its specialized researchers, is essential to optimize climate adaptation processes," he noted in the text.