Exercise #2: Family Environmental History
October 10, 2023 By: Bruno Knopfel
Three out of my four grandparents emigrated from Western Europe to Brazil in the 1940’s My grandfather from my father’s side travelled from Switzerland, my grandmother from my father’s side from Germany, my grandfather from my mother’s side from Austria, and finally my grandmother from my mother’s side was the only one born in Brazil. I will focus on my grandparents who came from Europe as they were all deeply affected by World War II and came to Brazil seeking for a better life. Both my grandmother from my mother’s side and my grandfather from my mother’s side were only kids on the boat from Europe to Brazil, therefore they do not have many memories. However, according to my grandfather from my father’s side was and he remembers well as he was enlisted to the Swiss Army to defend the country’s border during the war, even though he was not old enough, and this is the reason he fled Switzerland.
All three of my grandparents arrived at the port of Santos, but eventually made their home in my hometown of Sao Paulo. At the time, Sao Paulo was one of the most densely populated cities in South America, a distinction it still holds today. Like many cities globally, Sao Paulo grappled with rapid and often haphazard expansion, resulting in substantial environmental transformations. The most significant of these was the extensive cultivation of coffee, which fueled both the economic and demographic surge in the State of Sao Paulo.
Living in a highly urbanized environment, several kilometers away from farms or forests, my grandparents’ connection with nature grew distant, dominated by the demands of their busy lives and jobs. My grandfather, for instance, worked repairing clocks in a bustling avenue near their home. In contrast, my grandmother, a homemaker, who had more intimate encounters with nature compared to the rest of them. She spent her days at home, tending to a small garden where she nurtured an apple tree and a pomegranate tree. I have vivid memories of those trees, as I used to pluck and enjoy their fruits straight from the branches during my childhood.
My grandparents and I found ourselves with limited opportunities for direct interaction with nature. However, there was one remarkable natural marvel that left an indelible mark on us all – the imposing Tiete River. This winding waterway, stretching an impressive 1,100 kilometers in length, remains a cornerstone of the regional economy and a vital conduit for transportation. Its presence, coursing through the heart of the city, serves as a reminder of the power of nature even amid urban environments.
Moreover, the river also played the role of a captivating tourist attraction. As it meandered through small towns before reaching the urban expanse of Sao Paulo, it gives economic sustenance upon these humble communities. The towns along its banks thrived on the revenue generated by visitors. For these towns, the economic importance of tourism was not to be understated. It breathed life into their local economies, offering a lifeline to small businesses and providing vital resources for community development. Thus, the Tiete River emerged as more than a geographical feature; it became a dynamic force that shaped the economic and cultural tapestry of the region.
According to archaeologists, the Tiete River has served as a crucial resource for over 6,000 years, utilized by various communities including Brazilian Indigenous tribes and Portuguese colonists. Its waters have been a source of sustenance and a means of transportation for both humans and the diverse fauna that call its banks home. Additionally, the river’s hydroelectric power plant stands as a modern testament to its significance, supplying power to not only the extensive city of Sao Paulo but also the surrounding urban centers. The fusion of ancient historical relevance with contemporary technological prowess highlights the enduring importance of the Tiete River in shaping the region’s landscape and livelihoods.
While the Tiete River stands as one of the foremost economic assets in both the State of Sao Paulo and Brazil, it has gained international notoriety for its alarming state of degradation. Until the 1960s, the river was a thriving ecosystem, home to a variety of local fish species, and a recreational hub for water sports enthusiasts, including my grandparents. However, with the rapid and disorganized urban expansion, coupled with the illicit discharge of sewage from numerous factories and residences along its banks, the river’s health took a sharp downturn. It became alarmingly polluted, rendering its waters hazardous and inhospitable. I can vividly recall the pungent scent of sewage permeating the air as we drove near the river, prompting us to swiftly roll up our car windows. This olfactory reminder served as a stark testament to the environmental challenges the Tiete River faced, and the urgent need for concerted efforts to restore its vitality.
Thankfully, in 1980, the State government took a significant step forward by launching projects to cleanse the Tiete River. Although there’s still a substantial journey ahead, there’s optimism that my daughter, born in Canada, might have the chance to witness a pristine Tiete River in her lifetime, much like my grandparents did during the 50s. This aspiration fuels our collective efforts toward a healthier, more vibrant natural environment for generations to come.
References
dos, C. (2004, December 22). rio no estado de São Paulo. Wikipedia.org; Fundação Wikimedia, Inc. https://pt.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rio_Tiet%C3%AA