Sesc SP

Biodiversity – According to the Livro Vermelho da Fauna Brasileira Ameaçada de Extinção (Red Book of Brazilian Endangered Fauna), a publication produced by hundreds of researchers launched in 2008, the main cause for the disappearance of species is the destruction of their habitat, though poaching, illegal trade and the introduction of exotic species also constitute important factors in the suppression of a variety of organisms.

Environment – São Luiz do Paraitinga, a small town in upstate São Paulo, has become the stage for a judicial dispute between the state’s Office of the Public Advocate and two large companies in the eucalyptus reforesting business. The reasons for the claim are the environmental and social impacts stemming from large-scale farming of this Australian species.

Social development – Since late 2008, a new indicator was adopted by Brazil’s official cash transfer programmes: the Household Development Index (Índice de Desenvolvimento da Família – IDF), which is a more accurate tool than those formerly used when assessing the needs of poor families.

Domestic child labour – According to official data, over 400 thousand 5-to-17-year-old children and teens work as housekeepers in Brazil. Last year came into effect a new law banning domestic labour to under-18 minors, whose development might be impaired by that activity.

Transportation – Thanks to private investments, the Brazilian railroad industry has, albeit slowly, grown steadily. Still, railroads do not reach farther regions of the country, engaged today in the large-scale production of grains, minerals and sugarcane.

Brazil – Worldwide, Brazil is the country that receives the most atmospheric electric discharges. According to specialists, in 2008 there were more than 60 million lightning bolts, which caused the deaths of 75 people. For this year, the phenomenon is expected to occur at the same frequency.

Public safety – Brazil has the fourth largest prison inmate population in the world, behind the U.S., Russia and China. Brazil’s true social apartheid showcase, the country’s prisons are to undergo modifications after the First National Conference for Public Security, due in August, with the likely adoption of other-than-incarceration alternative sentences.

Grassroots economics – The use of alternative currencies, issued by community banks, is growing in the country. With the purpose of developing local economies, such currencies only circulate within the communities, involving a network of producers, retailers and consumers gathered in a solidarity market.

Science – Proclaimed by the U.N. as the International Year of Astronomy, 2009 celebrates, in a number of events, 400 years of important astronomical discoveries, made by Galileo Galilei and Johannes Kepler. The main goal is to boost knowledge of this scientific field worldwide.

Music – For manufacturers of musical instruments, the comeback of the mandatory teaching of music in Brazilian schools, from where it had been banned since 1972, is almost a gift. The market is expected to heat up again, in spite of competition from imported goods.

Health – Although the number of cancer cases worldwide keeps growing, the number of cancer-related deaths has remained stable. According to specialists, provided there is precocious diagnosis and adequate treatment, chances of cure are significantly high.

History – Next 15 November 120 years will have passed since the proclamation of the Republic put an end to the Brazilian monarchic period. There was no resistance to the installation of the new regime, which dethroned a sovereign with no talent for governing.

Interview – Paraíba-state-born poet Políbio Alves lives and publishes his works in his homeland, far away from Brazil’s main cultural centers. For this reason, he is hardly known in his own country, albeit his prestige abroad.

Theater – Theatrical group Oficina celebrates its 50 years of activities with several productions. Known for its irreverence, these artists’ work has gone through several phases over the years, yet without losing its critical tone.

Thematic panel – Yoshiaki Nakano is an economist with great experience as professor and holder of several public offices. In that capacity, Mr. Nakano spoke to the members of the Fecomercio, Sesc and Senac Council of Economics, Sociology and Politics on the crisis that is affecting the globalized world and Brazil in particular. In his opinion, it is time to act swiftly and take advantage of some of the benefits brought about by the crisis, such as the return of the foreign exchange rate to a more realistic level and the end of the excess of liquidity.