Evaluation of the environmental vulnerability of São Carlos – SP

Abstract

The analysis of landscapes in their local and regional geographic context, as well as the studies of typically urban and ecological structures are essential for the establishment of forms of growth compatible with the goals of sustainable development. This reality reveals the importance of proper land planning. Thus, the present study had the objective of evaluating the environmental vulnerability in São Carlos-SP. Geographic Information Systems (GIS) were used to map the use and land cover, slope, geology and pedology, which supported the application of the Vulnerability Index. The classes of low environmental vulnerability correlated with the areas of lower risks to the effects of anthropic occupation and the classes of high environmental vulnerability correlated with areas of high risks to the effects of anthropic occupation. The balance of the weights attributed to the different characteristics of the landscape contributed in a way to correlate the various compartments of the landscape without considering that one or another characteristic has a greater influence on its environmental vulnerability. The degree of environmental vulnerability identified mainly low and average values of vulnerability. The environmental characteristics of São Carlos contribute to its state of vulnerability that is potentialized mainly by the economic characteristics linked to the agricultural activities existing in the region.