The UFRJ Science and Culture Forum opens an exhibition on the future of Guanabara Bay

a Forum on Science and Culture (FCC) from Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ) The “Futures of Guanabara Bay: Innovation and Climate Democracy” exhibition will be held until 05/14, at Science House at UFRJ, in Botafogo, in the southern region of Rio de Janeiro. The exhibition discusses, through immersive and interactive installations, the ecological and social significance of Guanabara Bay and the current and future impacts of the climate crisis in the region.

Today, approximately 12 million people living near the Guanabara Bay Hydrographic Basin are already suffering from climate change. Landslides, heavy rains, prolonged droughts that threaten water supplies, and heat waves are part of the daily life of the population, distributed in the municipalities of the Metropolitan Region of Rio, Baixada Fluminense, Regio dos Lagos, and Serrana.

“One of the exhibition’s goals is to show how science has created solutions to reduce and slow global warming, as well as create a social impact, and raise awareness in society about advocating for climate democracy on a local and global level.”he explains Christine Rotabiologist and FCC coordinator. “We must remember that the poor population is the most affected and that it is necessary to integrate scientific and popular knowledge to face the crisis.”completed.

The exhibition raises questions such as: How has climate change affected Guanabara Bay, its surroundings, cities and biodiversity? What can be expected in the coming years and how can the knowledge produced by universities and the population come together to confront the problem?

An immersive and interactive experience

To help the viewer answer questions, the show resorts to immersive, interactive, and technological attractions. One of them is “Desafios da Baía de Guanabara”, which was played on two screens, bringing the spectator face to face with the biodiversity and effects of human action in one of the most famous bays in Brazil.

Focusing on solutions for the future, the fair brings together UFRJ research and extension projects aimed at reducing the climate crisis. Among them is a “wave station” that produces clean energy. “eco-concrete”, which replaces cement and reduces carbon dioxide emissions; and “Ariel Robot”, which is able to detect oil spills at sea.

“We want to bring the public closer to the richness and significance of Guanabara Bay – a place that is part of Rio de Janeiro life and the Brazilian imagination, but is still little known in terms of diversity, not only ecological, but also social, economic and cultural.”he explains Leonardo MenezesCurator and former Director of Knowledge and Creativity at the Museum of Tomorrow.

Other interactive experiences are the “Choices Rooms” and the “Wall of Initiatives,” with information, questions, and a panel for the public to participate in, suggesting local actions to combat problems involving the Guanabara Bay climate crisis in the coming decades.

“Among the problems that Guanabara Bay faces are warming waters, heavy rains, increased littering and deteriorating water quality.”explains a marine biologist Paolo PaivaProfessor at the Institute of Biology at the UFRJ and member of the scientific committee of the exhibition. “There is also a risk of extinction of marine species, such as estuarine dolphins and giant rays, and a reduction in tourism and economic activities in the region, which today includes 20,000 fishermen with an uncertain future.”completed Fabio ScaranoProfessor at the Institute of Biology of the UFRJ and member of the Commission.

Guided tours and workshops

The program also includes workshops and guided tours for children and youth from public and private schools, university students, and community groups, especially from across the Gulf. Visits can be scheduled in advance Exhibition site. Lectures with scholars, general managers and community leaders, book launches, cultural presentations and recordings Podcasts He lives.

service:

• exhibition “The Future of Guanabara Bay: Innovation and Climate Democracy »
• date: Until May 14, 2023
• local: UFRJ Science House – R. Lauro Müller, 3 – Botafogo, Rio de Janeiro (RJ)
• time: Tuesday to Saturday, 9 am to 8 pm; Sundays and holidays from 10 am to 4 pm
• Prohibited: free
• classification: free
• To schedule guided tours and more information, visit: baiadeguanabara.forum.ufrj.br