Twelve years after being one of the main themes of a gubernatorial election, the fear of a water crisis in São Paulo is again marking the debate among candidates. The reservoirs of Greater São Paulo are below 50% capacity, with the main one, Cantareira, at around 33%, eight months after the system hit its worst mark since the historic low of 2014, with less than 25% in the summer.
The threat has made climate gain prominence in the campaign, alongside issues normally more present in elections, such as security and health. The topic has been used by opposition candidate Fernando Haddad (PT) to attack incumbent Tarcísio de Freitas (Republicanos) in interviews and debates.
Water security is not the only climate-related topic that has permeated the electoral debate. The impact of storms, rural fires, and the performance of Sabesp are also mentioned in government platforms and candidate statements.
