Happy TravellerWelcome to Cubatão, a vibrant city in the state of São Paulo, Brazil. Located just 12 kilometers away from the bustling Santos seaport, the largest in Latin America, Cubatão offers a unique blend of industrial prowess and natural beauty. As part of the Metropolitan Region of Baixada Santista, this city of 131,626 people (2020 est.) encompasses an area of 142.88 km2. Let’s dive into the history, transformation, and attractions of Cubatão.
In the early 1980s, Cubatão faced severe pollution, earning the infamous nickname ‘Valley of Death.’ The city suffered from high air pollution, resulting in the birth of brainless children and a rise in respiratory, hepatic, and blood illnesses. Cubatão’s environmental crisis gained global attention, with Popular Science ranking it among the top ten dirtiest cities in the world.
One tragic incident that highlighted the environmental challenges faced by Cubatão occurred on February 25, 1984. An oil spill ignited a fire in the shantytown of Vila Socó, claiming the lives of 93 people according to official figures, although the actual death toll may have exceeded 200. The contamination of workers with persistent organic pollutants led to Rhodia, a now-defunct company, being listed among Greenpeace’s top 10 worst corporate crimes at the Rio Summit in 1992.
Despite these challenges, Cubatão has made significant efforts to reduce pollution in the city, with a staggering cost of US$ 1.2 billion. While the situation has improved considerably, complete restoration of the soil and groundwater remains impossible. The presence of large industries in a relatively small area means that some level of pollution will persist.
Cubatão has even made its mark in popular culture. The city was referenced in the collaboration between Jello Biafra and Sepultura on their 1993 album, Chaos A.D., in the song ‘Biotech is Godzilla.’ Additionally, the name ‘Cubatão’ became the title of a song by the band A La Carte in 1981.
For those looking to explore the surrounding areas of Cubatão, the location of Piaçaguera offers an intriguing adventure. Piaçaguera is a part of Cubatão and is situated in the state of São Paulo. It serves as the starting point for the Rodovia Cônego Domênico Rangoni highway, previously known as the Piaçaguera-Guarujá highway. This highway acts as a connection between Via Anchieta and Guarujá, crossing the Bertioga canal. Piaçaguera also marks the beginning of the climb through the Serra do Mar escarpment along the Santos-Jundiaí railway line.
In conclusion, Cubatão has come a long way from its tumultuous past and has transformed into a city that balances industry and nature. Its resilience and ongoing efforts to combat pollution are commendable. Visitors to Cubatão can immerse themselves in the city’s history, explore its surrounding areas, and witness firsthand the remarkable progress that has been made. Come and discover the unique charm of Cubatão, Brazil!
