A Interface entre a Questão Ambiental e o Capitalismo: estudo sobre a gestão de risco de desastres na política de assistência social do Amazonas

Abstract

This dissertation was defended in the Graduate Program in Social Work and Sustainability in the Amazon at the Federal University of Amazonas (PPGSS/UFAM), with financial support from the Amazonas State Research Support Foundation (FAPEAM). The research is linked to a national project entitled: “Investigation of Disaster Risk Management in the States of Rio Grande do Sul and Amazonas: Contribution to Disaster Prevention/Mitigation, Adaptation to Climate Change, and Building Resilience”2. The dissertation aimed to analyze disaster risk management planning in the state of Amazonas, with an emphasis on social assistance policy, given the increasing frequency and severity of socio-environmental disasters and the rapid climate change resulting from the capitalist mode of production in recent years. Methodologically, this study was based on the historical-dialectical materialism method and is an explanatory research project, using content analysis techniques and a quantitative qualitative approach. The study comprised bibliographical and documentary research. At the state level, planning documents were analyzed, such as the Multi-Year Plan (PPA); the State Social Assistance Plan (PEAS); and the State Civil Defense and Protection Plan (PEPDEC), corresponding to the four-year periods 2016-2019 and 2020-2023. At the municipal level, the Multi-Year Plan (PPA), the Municipal Social Assistance Plan (PMAS), and the Contingency Plan (PLACON) corresponding to the periods 2018-2021 and 2022-2025 were examined. In this study, eight (08) municipalities in the state of Amazonas were chosen, considering as a selection criterion the frequency of disasters in the municipalities, such as: Barreirinha, Careiro da Várzea, Coari, Lábrea, Manicoré, Manaus, Parintins and São Gabriel da Cachoeira. The results showed that the capitalist mode of production is not characterized by a relationship of universal gains. Quite the contrary, the hegemonic economic system exposes the process of predatory appropriation and degradation of natural resources, which is directly related to the occurrence of socio-environmental disasters. It was also highlighted that, in the Amazon, disasters are driven by a combination of factors, including deforestation, fires, and the expansion of agribusiness. At the state and municipal levels, it was identified that the planning documents examined incorporate actions related to Disaster Risk Management (DRM), such as: disaster prevention and preparedness; protection services against rights violations and public calamities and emergencies; environmental services and adaptations to climate change; disaster response, relief, and assistance to disaster victims; emergency housing actions; and post-disaster rehabilitation and reconstruction. However, the municipalities studied showed a significant underfunding of DRM programs, actions, projects, and activities during the period analyzed. Finally, the study revealed that there are numerous challenges in building cities capable of withstanding, absorbing, adapting to, and recovering from the timely effects of disasters. However, through investments in disaster risk reduction and the political commitment of the government and the local community, it is possible to establish a culture of prevention and/or mitigation and adaptation to climate change, making cities more resilient to face disasters and their effects.