‘Navigating’ the Brazilian summer

São Paulo, the city that never sleeps and Brazil’s bustling business and innovation epicenter, is currently experiencing a literal downpour of challenges. The rainy days seem to transport us back in time, to a time when technology and energy were… simpler. The irony is as thick as the rain clouds hanging over our beloved metropolis.

Brazil’s “summer” days are notorious for bringing heavy rains that expose the city’s underlying infrastructural problems. Despite being one of the most technologically advanced cities in the country, São Paulo is plunged into darkness by these torrential downpours, leaving its residents to deal with both technological and literal blackouts. 

Power cuts at events hosted by Enel, the controversial Italian multinational in charge of power distribution in São Paulo, have gone viral.  

Recent weeks have mirrored the chaos of months and summers past, with relentless rains causing power outages and flooding. The city that prides itself on innovation is now struggling to keep the lights on and the roads clear for Paulistas, making both work and daily commutes an arduous task.

In a year marked by municipal elections, where politicians usually seek to showcase their accomplishments or highlight the flaws of the opposing administration, São Paulo is facing a dark moment. Inquiries are hastily formed to investigate Enel, but residents are left without a viable solution to these glaring infrastructure problems.

Perhaps this is all a ploy to stimulate innovative problem-solving. After all, Brazilians are known for navigating “difficult waters” with creative flair. Or maybe, just maybe, we just wanted things to go smoothly for once in a city that never ceases to surprise, rain or shine.

Check out the creation of this cartoon on The Brazilian Report’s TikTok account (@brazilianreport).

• #climateChange
• #infrastructure