Attitudes and perceptions of environmental managers in relation to climate change in the Coastal Region of the State of Sao Paulo, Brazil

Abstract

Previous studies have shown that the coastal zone of the State of Sao Paulo, Brazil, is considered highly susceptible to the impacts of climate change. This scenario is complicated by the presence of nationally relevant economic activities, large population and legally protected ecosystems. The present study aims to analyze perceptions, knowledge and attitudes of environmental managers about the effects of climate change on coastal regions, as well as to evaluate the type of information that is used (or planned to use) in the construction of effective adaption plans. This research was carried out through the application of a survey using the online platform SurveyGizmo. The results document growing levels of preoccupation among environmental managers about the impacts of climatic changes; at the same time, they make evident the absence in effective activity in the creation of public policy addressed to the mitigation or adaptation to the expected impacts.