Cadernos de Geografia

Socio-environmental vulnerability in Nova Iguaçu, Brazil, during extreme heatwave events.

Cities have the capacity to generate their own climate as a result of the transformations of their surface in line with their geoecological attributes. In this context, the aim of this study is to analyse whether the urbanisation process, associated with changes in land use and occupation patterns, is related to socio-economic conditions, such as income and colour, for the municipality of Nova Iguaçu, located in the Metropolitan Region of Rio de Janeiro. To do this, we used Landsat 9 thermal images (day and night), in heatwave conditions, and data from the IBGE's urban census units for colour and income in 2022. The results show that the hottest areas were well defined in the morning and afternoon periods, as well as the spatial mobility between day and night. In addition, it was found that at night, strong socio-environmental vulnerability reached 54.5 per cent, while during the day it was 29.8 per cent and moderate vulnerability. There was also a spatial correlation between black and brown skin colour, low income and higher surface temperature.

Mapping socio-environmental vulnerability to the desertification process in the northeastern region of Brazil: The case of the Cabrobó nucleus

Desertification generally has adverse environmental, social, and economic consequences. However, areas lacking adequate social and infrastructural conditions face greater challenges in addressing the risks associated with desertification. Research evaluating the socio-environmental implications of the desertification process remains limited. In Brazil, the Cabrobó desertification nucleus is characterised by significant economic activities such as irrigated fruit farming and fish farming. Although this region has been the subject of several studies addressing the physical and natural impacts of desertification, investigations focusing on socio-environmental aspects, particularly vulnerability, are still scarce. Vulnerability mapping is a crucial tool for informing and improving public policy, particularly when it is based on census sector data. This study aimed to develop vulnerability maps of the desertification risk for the Cabrobó desertification nucleus. The analysis utilised census sector data from five municipalities: Cabrobó, Belém do São Francisco, Carnaubeira da Penha, Itacuruba, and Floresta, based on the 2010 census, the last provided by the Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics (IBGE). It was not possible to use more recent census sector data, as such data are currently unavailable. Social variables and environmental variables were included in the analysis. Indices were generated using Exploratory Factor Analysis and subsequently visualised on maps. The results revealed varying levels of vulnerability across census sectors, with social and rural socio-environmental vulnerabilities being particularly high. Strengthened collaboration between government and society is essential for improving regional conditions. The findings of this study may support the development of targeted social assistance policies for residents of the region.

Geographical Reasoning, Digital Technologies, and Wildfires in the Atlantic Forest: a didactic proposal developed for Lower Secondary Education through the PIBID program

Tânia Seneme do Canto, Geane Cleisa Nogueira da Silva

This article discusses how Digital Information and Communication Technologies (DICT) can contribute to the development of geographical reasoning in Geography education. Based on a pedagogical workshop conducted with undergraduate Geography students from Unicamp, who are part of the PIBID program, a didactic proposal was developed focusing on the geographical situation “Wildfires in the Atlantic Forest in the Campinas region – SP,” using the MapBiomas platform. The study connects foundational concepts of Geography, principles of geographical reasoning, and the use of geotechnologies, highlighting the importance of intentional pedagogical mediation in the use of DICT.

Hydrodiplomacy and water cooperation

João Simões

The governance of the Mekong River basin has evolved over almost seven decades, through a succession of regional cooperation mechanisms between the lower Mekong states. The 1995 Mekong Agreement is a fundamental part of the current regional cooperation framework, having introduced specific procedural rules - notification, prior consultation and agreement - for the implementation of development projects. However, the effectiveness of these mechanisms, namely the PNPCA (Notification, Prior Consultation and Agreement Procedures), has been limited by procedural and political-institutional constraints. This paper explores the evolution of the regional cooperation framework and its challenges. It concludes that, despite the various challenges it faces, the Mekong River Commission remains a vital platform for regional cooperation, without compromising the sovereignty of states. To develop this work, the author uses a methodology based on documentary and bibliographic analysis.

In memoriam de José Bueno Conti (1937-2024)

José Borzacchiello da Silva — Mon, 09 Jun 2025 00:00:00 +0100