Sociedade & Natureza

Thornthwaite Moisture Index for the Triângulo Mineiro, Brazilian Cerrado Region, Under Climate Change

2024-08-27T10:43:20-03:00

Climate change represents one of the main challenges of the 21st century for planning and sustainable development. However, little is known about how climate change can affect a region's climate zones. The objective was to evaluate probable changes in climatic zones using the Thornthwaite climate classification (1948). Historical series between 1981 and 2021 of rainfall and air temperature were used. The water balance was calculated from Thornthwaite and Mather. Thornthwaite's humidity index (1948) was used to classify localities according to their level of humidity and the scenarios RCP 2.6, RCP 4.5, RCP 6.0 and RCP 8.5 to analyze projections for the 21st century (period 2081–2100). The current characterization, with historical data, of the region's climate presented air temperature, rainfall and average potential evapotranspiration, respectively, of 22.4ºC, 1,318.8 mm and 1,123.74 mm, in addition to a water surplus of 391.04 mm and water deficit of 195.04 mm. The region currently has five climate indices, with a prevalence of more humid classes (B1, B2 and B3), corresponding to 62% of the territory. The results derived from the projections indicate reductions in climate classes and an increase in the area occupied by drier climates. For example, the percentage of area occupied by class C1 (dry subhumid) would increase from the current 8.4% to 69.68% in the RCP 8.5 scenario. The study of these change projections is important since profound consequences for the hydrology, ecology and social area of the region will take place, potentially harming agriculture, the region's main economic activity.

Resilience and Place Identity in the Context of the Global Climate Emergency: A Comparative Study in Brazil and Portugal

2024-08-29T17:07:01-03:00

In this comprehensive study, Portuguese university students were compared with Brazilian counterparts on the parameters of place identity and resilience traits. To this end, following data collection via a questionnaire, psychometrics was combined with statistical analysis methods, with the primary goal of understanding how place identity and resilience contribute to fostering climate resilience. The results reveal a generally accurate perception among participants regarding the consequences of climate change in their respective regions, with a more pronounced awareness observed in areas predicted to experience greater climate changes. Notably, in Portugal, a significant correlation emerged between a heightened risk of floods and stronger local identity, whereas among Brazilian participants, a similar correlation was observed with dry conditions. This presentation focuses on the analysis of Local/Social Identity and Resilience (Takviriyanun scale). The results also highlight a predominantly positive connection between participants and their local communities. It is noteworthy that individuals with a stronger sense of local identity demonstrate greater resilience in four out of the five factors analyzed (Support, Determination, Optimism, and Other Supports). It is concluded, therefore, that a strengthened local identity is associated with an increased capacity to cope with climate change. In this way, the possibility arises to analyze the relationship between place identity and resilience as an essential psychogeographic concept for territorial management, as it emerges as a strategic tool to promote and enhance adaptation processes.

The Heat Index (HI) in the city of Fortaleza, Ceará

2024-11-25T17:31:15-03:00

Over time, changes in space have resulted in changes in natural characteristics. In this context, thermal comfort indicators have emerged, as developed to interpret environmental conditions in relation to thermal stress. The objective of this study was to apply the Heat Index (HI) in different neighborhoods of the city of Fortaleza, which choice was based on the different types of land cover. We carried out data collection campaign at ten points in the city, using thermohygrometer sensors. We applied the HI equation to the data collected, according to the intervals of the National Weather Service and the intervals adapted for the municipality. The data indicate that Fortaleza experienced high temperatures throughout the analyzed period (dry and hot months), having a negative impact on the HI (up to 42°C). The comparison of the comfort indicator classes showed that, in the original interval, few records indicated comfortable conditions in the different neighborhoods, while the interval of classes considering the acclimatization of the population indicated situations that were more comfortable. The worst comfort conditions occurred in the afternoon, between 12 p.m. and 2 p.m. The most critical points are associated with the density of buildings and the lack of urban green infrastructure, with neighborhoods Parque do Cocó and Bairro de Fátima (with more trees) that presented the highest frequency in the comfort class. We concluded that the entire territory of the city faces thermal stress; however, green structures have the potential to mitigate the adverse effects of the thermal field, improving human comfort in the urban environment.

Geoepidemiological Profile of Venomous Animal Incidents in Indigenous and Non-Indigenous Populations in Brazil

2024-08-22T10:30:13-03:00

This study analyzes venomous animal incidents between 2012 and 2023 using data from the Notifiable Diseases Information System (SINAN), focusing on differences between indigenous and non-indigenous populations. The adopted methodology is cross-sectional and ecological, incorporating descriptive statistical analyses and Moran's spatial autocorrelation to examine geographic patterns and identify prevalence clusters. The results reveal a concentration of notifications in the Southeast region. Among the groups analyzed, the indigenous population exhibited the highest prevalence rate, with 2,654 cases per 100,000 inhabitants, demonstrating significant vulnerability to venomous animal incidents. Indigenous children and adolescents were particularly susceptible in terms of age groups. Regarding causative agents, scorpions led among non-indigenous individuals (57.3%), while snakes were more prevalent among indigenous groups (56.6%). The study underscores the need for public policies and prevention strategies that consider the cultural and environmental specificities of vulnerable populations, emphasizing the importance of educational and public health actions adapted to local realities.