Droughts in São Paulo: challenges and lessons for a water-adaptive society

Literature has suggested that droughts and societies are mutually shaped and, therefore, both require a better understanding of their coevolution on risk reduction water adaptation. Although the São Paulo Metropolitan Region drew attention because 2013–2015 drought, this was not first event. This paper revisits event 1985–1986 drought to compare evolution management aspects. Documents hydrological records analyzed evaluate hazard intensity, preparedness, exposure, vulnerability, responses, mitigation aspects events. intensity exposure latter were larger than former one, policy implementation delay dependency service areas in single reservoir exposed region higher vulnerability. In addition structural non-structural tools implemented just after events, work raises possibility rainwater reuse for reducing stress reservoirs.