Percepção de mudanças climáticas e riscos ambientais urbanos no Varjão - Distrito Federal

Abstract

This study examines the community leaders’ perception of environmental risks and impacts of climate change in the city of Varjão, Distrito Federal, a place characterized by social and environmental vulnerability. Were also discussed the strategies of risk communication and perception of environmental risks by the local administration. The methodology used exploratory research based on the researchers”º observations and on interviews with the area residents. The results revealed that respondents have the perception that climate change means risk to the safety of the settlement and provokes «fear» in the majority of them. The main risks perceived by the community in Varjão are associated with heavy rain, runoff and flooding, events not yet assimilated as environmental risks by the local administration, that has no program of corrective action for such occurrences.