Probing Climate Change Perceptions in Vulnerable Enclaves: Resilient Realities in the Buffalo City Municipality, South Africa

Natal Buthelezi

doi:10.21814/rlec.5438

Autores

Natal Buthelezi Department of Urban and Regional Planning, University of the Free State, Bloemfontein, South Africa https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5775-6920

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.21814/rlec.5438

Palavras-chave:

conhecimento tradicional, aglomerados populacionais informais, vulnerabilidade, perceção pública, adaptação

Resumo

Num cenário marcado pela turbulência do século XXI, as alterações climáticas surgem como uma crise iminente e urgente, particularmente acentuada nas áreas urbanas afetadas pela pobreza, onde os seus impactos se manifestam de forma mais severa. Apesar da importância de compreender as perceções públicas para promover uma resiliência eficaz às alterações climáticas, há ainda uma lacuna considerável no que toca a investigação diferenciada nos aglomerados populacionais informais da África do Sul. Este estudo emprega uma abordagem de métodos mistos para explorar como os fatores cognitivos, emocionais, motivacionais e culturais influenciam a resiliência ou vulnerabilidade dessas comunidades aos riscos associados às alterações climáticas. O consenso predominante na literatura sugere uma tendência geral de subestimação dos riscos das alterações climáticas entre os residentes. No entanto, este artigo defende que as estratégias inovadoras e com recursos limitados observados nessas comunidades sugerem um grau significativo de capacidade de ação e preparação para enfrentar esses desafios. Este estudo revela a interação entre iniciativas individuais, redes sociais, canais de informação, práticas culturais e dinâmicas de poder na formação das perceções das alterações climáticas. É recomendada a integração de medidas de adaptação locais e económicas em enquadramentos políticos mais amplos. Em conclusão, o estudo sublinha a importância de educar os residentes de aglomerados populacionais informais, de promover a participação da comunidade e de utilizar os conhecimentos locais de adaptação e as técnicas de desenvolvimento sustentável para construir um futuro resiliente e equitativo para os habitantes do município de Buffalo City.

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