Perceptions about the risks of climate change in the context of the semi-arid region of Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil

Abstract

The climate changes caused by the rise in the average temperature of the earth are unmistakable. These changes, subject several systems to risks, such as: greater frequency and intensity of extreme climatic events, rising sea levels, among other climate threats. For semi-arid regions, the projections indicate that the climate will become more arid, aggravating drought and increasing desertification processes. The purpose of this paper is to understand how opinion makers and decision makers in the state of Rio Grande do Norte perceive the risks of climate change in the semiarid region. The research presents a qualitative approach, with a case study and data from bibliographic, documentary surveys and structured interviews conducted with representatives of public agencies and researchers. The results points that these actors perceived the risks of climate change, as an aggravation to climate threats with a history of occurrence in the state. The perceived threats are in agreement with the climate trends projected by the literature, thus indicating a high probability of occurrence in the study area.