The Garden of Babilonia Hill

Landslides and flooding as a result of heavy rains are nothing new, especially for Rio de Janeiro. But over the past years the situation has gotten visibly worse. While increasing climate vulnerability is a global concern, coastal cities like Rio—situated along the Atlantic Ocean with a terrain that is both mountainous and low-lying—are predicted to be particularly hard hit by natural disasters.

Lise Sedrez focuses on the community of Morro Babilônia, a small but traditional favelas in Rio de Janeiro, and how it has developed strategies and dynamics to respond to changes in its urban ecosystem. Located near one of the most coveted real state of the city, Copacabana, the community suffered from torrential rains and frequent landslides - which in 1994 caused the death of three residents. On that occasion, the community pressured the city hall to begin a reforestation project on the slopes of the hill to prevent erosion.

When: Monday, September 24, at 12 pm

Where: Yale Department of History, Luce Hall Room 202