About
The Brazilian municipality of Niterói is located just across the Guanabara Bay from Rio de Janeiro. This medium-size city has a population of 500,000 and covers 131 sq km.
Almost half of Niteroi residents enjoy some of the highest living standards in the country (3rd place among 5,600 Brazilian cities according to UN indexes), mainly due to higher incomes, quality of housing, sanitation and education levels.
Niterói is a Tupi Amerindian name that means "Hidden Waters".
Strategy
The municipality is taking the issue of climate change as a priority and has set targets in the areas of transport, energy and waste.
The city of Niterói is looking to transform its transport system that has for years been chaotic, opportunistic and unintegrated. The new system will prioritize an integrated transport model with increased mobility, efficiency and accessibility, and reduced costs. It will include upgrade of public transport, development of non-motorized transport, designated bus and bycicle lanes and greater security for pedestrians.
As part of the energy project EcoAmpla, Niterói is incorporating electric cars into the municipal fleet in a bid to reduce air pollution and CO2 emissions.
The city is also implementing the Ecopontos Itinerantes programme aimed at promoting recycling among the population through mobile collection points for recyclables. Those who participate in the recycling campaign will also benefit from credits towards their power bills.
Tree planting and clean up activities are also conducted in conjunction with World Environment Day.
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