Environment

Greener roofs for cooler favelas in Rio de Janeiro

Rio de Janeiro (Brazil), Feb 25 (EFE).- (Camera: Janaína Quinet) It is summer in Rio de Janeiro and the heat that is concentrated in the narrow favelas is suffocating. Sustainably cooling these environments is the objective of Teto Verde Favela (Green Roof Favela), a project that was born in the heart of these Brazilian neighbourhoods inspired by European countries.Also known as aerial gardens, green roofs are considered 'urban lungs' for improving environmental quality in cities where cement prevails and vegetation is scarce.FOOTAGE OF AERIAL GARDENS OR GREEN ROOFS LOCATED IN THE FAVELAS OF BRAZIL.SOUNDBITES OF LUIS CASSIANO, FOUNDER OF TETO VERDE FAVELA: "Its greatest importance lies in how it achieves the temperature difference. I am someone who feels very hot easily and without this roof I could not stay here. When I implemented it, I did it to help myself, because I couldn't bear to come home from work and have all that heat in here.""I don't know how to live without that roof."