CURITIBA VIDEO REPORT
Introduction: Curitiba – A City with Different Ideas
Chapter 11 of Natural Capitalism: Human Capitalism is dedicated almost entirely to describing
and analyzing the city of Curitiba in the state of Parana, Brazil. This activity will give you a
first-hand look at Curitiba via the video, A Convenient Truth. This city has implemented a
public-private partnership, utilizing many of the principles of Natural Capitalism. These
projects have, in turn, resulted in generating profits for businesses and revenues to help cover
city expenses. You will enjoy viewing the video (posted to the Course Content Home page of
our course Web site) and have a chance to think about how the lessons of Curitiba could be
applied elsewhere.
Instructions:
1. Go to the folder “Curitiba Video” on the course home page. Click and view the video A
Convenient Truth. Watch it once without taking notes. Just enjoy!
2. View the video again, slowly, taking notes on points of interest. Pay special attention to the
information you will need to answer the questions below.
3. Answer the questions below. Short answers, dates, lists, are allowed. Number your answers.
Some questions will require a paragraph (or two) to answer. Be brief and concise. Be sure to
include a list references with your submission.
4. Submit your report in the BbLearn submission box for this assignment.
Here are the questions:
1. In what year did the renewal of Curitiba begin and who was the leader and main
driving force?
2. The renewal focused on four areas described in the video. List these four areas.
3. How did Curitiba control the growing density of people and businesses in the
downtown area? What role did the establishment of five major, linear axes play
in addressing this problem? Be brief but thoroughly explain.
4. Explain how the bus system is financially viable without city subsidies. That is,
how are the revenues (income) from the system sufficient to cover the costs of
operating the system without drawing money from the city’s treasury?
5. Briefly explain Curitiba’s recycling program. How does the slogan, “Trash that is
not trash” contribute to the great success of this program. How is it possible that
the “Separation Stations” are financially self-sufficient(i.e., the income from the
stations is sufficient cover the cost of operating successfully without a city
subsidy)?
6. What was the main objective for the development of the many parks which now
grace the Curitiba landscape? Has this main objective been achieved? People
had to be moved from these areas to make way for the parks. How did the
program itself generate revenue (income) for the city to pay for the relocation of
these people?
7. How many square meters of green area per inhabitant does Curitiba now have?
