Socio-Environmental Vulnerability Index: An Application to Rio de Janeiro-Brazil.

Fernanda Siqueira Malta,Eduarda Marques da Costa

doi:10.3389/ijph.2021.584308

Abstract

Objectives: The concept of vulnerability has been used more frequently in several studies, in an attempt to better understand the specificities and needs of different population groups, both in environmental and socio-economical terms. The aim of this study is to identify, characterize and analyze populations in situations of socio-environmental vulnerability in the city of Rio de Janeiro, based on social, economic, environmental and public health indicators organized into a summary index – the Socio-Environmental Vulnerability Index. Methods: The methodology integrated 15 indicators in a Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis into a Geographic Information System. Results: According to our results, socio-environmental vulnerability in Rio de Janeiro is aggravated by at-risk situations and environmental degradation. These aspects are jeopardized by the population density in slum areas, where the most disadvantaged groups live in a process of environmental and urban exclusion. Conclusion: The study concludes about the importance of these tools in guiding resource allocation and their contribution to formulating and implementing more effective public policies.

Highlights

In recent years, the term vulnerability has become a keyword in studies on environmental risks and climate change issues
The results were presented by Planning Areas (PAs), in accordance with the territorial macroplanning approach existing in the city council of Rio de Janeiro
The highest point of the region’s very high vulnerability lies in the Morro da Providencia favela, which has more than half the indicators that make up the Socio-Environmental Vulnerability Index (SEVI) which are classified as high or very high vulnerability

Summary

Introduction

The term vulnerability has become a keyword in studies on environmental risks and climate change issues. Various definitions of vulnerability have emerged and are used in different disciplinary contexts, whether related to sustainability [2], natural and environmental risks [3, 4] within the context of climate change [5, 6] or in social and economic fields [7,8,9,10]. Another approach to vulnerability that is growing relevance, can be seen in the context of health [11, 12]. People become “vulnerable” if access to resources either at a household, or at an individual level is the most critical factor in achieving a secure livelihood or recovering effectively from a disaster” ([13], pp. 370, 371)

Objectives

Methods

Results

Discussion

Conclusion