Quality of life and energy on this Coast: social, economic and environmental implications of the oil and natural gas

Abstract

The exploration and production of oil and natural gas in Brazil have their highest concentration on the continental shelf along the coast. As a result of socioeconomic and environmental implications arise, for example, the largest financial revenue by some municipalities, including São Sebastião and Caraguatatuba, both located on this coast, which annually receives large amounts of royalties. Therefore, this research analyzes whether these funds are being properly used in ensuring local development and improving the quality of life, identifying the relevant decision-making processes and the ability to exercise social control over those resources. Moreover, since the activities related to the oil and natural gas generate numerous negative environmental impacts, it is necessary to examine whether these impacts are affecting the quality of life of São Sebastião and Caraguatatuba. This research adds to project Global Climate Change and the "global environmental changes, vulnerability, risk and subjectivity: a study on the North Coast of São Paulo" (process no. 2010/20811-5). (AU)