Urbanization and environmental impacts in the municipality of Macaé: a climatological analysis

Abstract

Human adaptation to the natural environment, shaped by climatological factors, has been crucial for survival throughout history, directly impacting people's quality of life, especially in urban areas. Today’s greatest concerns center on the occurrence and recurrence of extreme and atypical events worldwide. As a result, urban climatology studies are becoming increasingly complex, focusing on risks such as temperature fluctuations, changes in rainfall patterns, the greenhouse effect, and its main consequences: floods, landslides, heat islands, and epidemics. In Macaé, in northern Rio de Janeiro state, these concerns are also present, with particular attention given to the effects of heavy rainfall and strong winds. This article examines the municipality’s main extreme weather events based on alerts issued by the Deputy Municipal Civil Defense Secretariat, as well as the actions and strategies outlined in the Contingency Plans from 2013 to 2023. Despite legal and documentary provisions, Macaé continues to face serious challenges related to response time and mitigation efforts, often due to inadequate preparation, lack of coordination among multidisciplinary teams, bureaucratic obstacles, and, most critically, the neglect of urban planning. Insufficient attention and investment in the most socio-environmentally vulnerable areas have led to persistent deficiencies in urban infrastructure and social assistance.