Summary

Economy – The speed at which the so-called technological parks –innovation-driven industrial clusters– are mushrooming in the country is a cause of concern for specialists in the area. There is a fear that trivialization of the concept is taking place to some extent, given the fact that few companies would have the capabilities to integrate undertakings of such nature.

Energy 1 – For 20 years now, the second largest Brazilian aluminum producer has been trying to erect a hydroelectric power plant on the Ribeira do Iguape River, along the border separating the states of São Paulo and Paraná. The work, which has not, as yet, received a construction license due to social and environmental hurdles, is deemed by the federal government a top priority in the energy sector.

Energy 2 – Under the argument that it is imperative that conditions be in place that will guarantee Brazil’s continued growth, the government succeeded in passing a bill providing for the construction of the Angra 3 nuclear plant. Though raising doubts as to the rationality of the investment in this type of generation and because of a lack of transparency and oversight, the plant should be running by 2013.

Environment 1 – A study by specialists from 15 Brazilian research centers (which have been tracking coastal erosion for more than 30 years) shows the alterations along the Brazilian shore. Yet, according to scientists, it is still not possible to make exact forecasts of the effects of sea level rise.

Environment 2 – Life begins anew in the state of São Paulo’s section of the Paraíba do Sul River basin, severely depleted over the last 30 years, chiefly by sand extraction. Once again, animals of the local fauna are seen in the area, where business also springs up in the form of hotels, fisheries, fish farms, and even crocodile farms.

Women – Surveys reveal that, in Brazil, the female sex has been knocking down barriers, defeating prejudice and winning space in the scientific careers. Nonetheless, women are still a minority in posts of command and earn less than men do.

Article – A text signed by Sérgio Buarque de Gusmão comments on the historical facts that led to the Proclamation of the Republic of Brazil. According to the author, the movement gained momentum with the support of the coffee barons, then the country’s main economic force –a phenomenon he classifies as the epitome of State appropriation by a social class.

History – Ninety years ago, in the month of July, there happened the first great workers’ demonstration in Brazil: a general strike that brought the city of São Paulo to a standstill, and then spread to the country’s other main industrial centers. Masterminded by Italian anarchist leaders and backed up by rank and file, the event further stimulated trade unionism and the formation of the leftist parties.

Education – In Brazil, a sizable portion of the population can barely read and write. According to figures by the Ministry of Education itself, the country has more than 1,000 municipalities, the overwhelming majority in the northeastern region, in which over 35% of the inhabitants are illiterate.

Books – Studies show and reality confirms that Brazilians read very little. Among the causes are illiteracy, a most unfortunate cultural heritage, the cost of books, and especially the utter failure of the educational system. Specialists suggest changes, starting with teacher support, installation of libraries in schools, and strong incentive to parental guidance.

Heritage – Since 2001, UNESCO has been developing the programme for the safeguarding of Masterpieces of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity. Up to 2005, 90 works of art, from 70 different countries, had received such acknowledgement. Brazil is represented by two of them: the kusiwa graphic art of the Wajãpi Indians, and the samba of roda of the Recôncavo Baiano.

Tradition – Pirapora do Bom Jesus, a small town in São Paulo state’s countryside, is the destination for religious pilgrimages. In spite of that, between the late 19th century and the mid 20th century, the place was also a magnet of samba groups. Forgotten for years, now this tradition once again draws the attention of the authorities and of the population too.

Interview – A doctor in social history and a college professor, Marco Antonio Villa speaks of his critical view of the Brazilian Republic and discusses the country’s present political moment.

Juridical Studies – Cláudio Lembo, the former governor of the state of São Paulo, spoke to the members of the Higher Law Council of Fecomercio on the 180 years of existence of the law courses in the country. The creation of the two first colleges was approved in 1827, in Olinda (Pernambuco), and in São Paulo, on the famous Largo de São Francisco, attended by important personalities of the history of Brazil.

Thematic panels – In a double edition, the insert brings two talks delivered at the Economics, Sociology and Politics Council of Fecomercio, Sesc and Senac. In the first, Professor Jacques Marcovitch, ex-president of the University of São Paulo, gave an update on the ongoing international negotiations regarding the reduction of greenhouse effect gases and the uncertainties surrounding the developments of the Kyoto Protocol after 2012.
In the second, Mário Amato, a businessman and an ex-president of the Federation of Industries of the State of São Paulo, spoke on the importance of the entrepreneur’s social responsibility.