Análise dos impactos socioambientais decorrentes dos acidentes da indústria de petróleo e gás no município de Madre de Deus/BA.

Abstract

The oil and gas industry, boosted by global demand for energy, is considered a driving force behind a country's economic development. However, this economic activity is characterized by challenges associated with environmental, social, economic and cultural risks and impacts, which have an impact on communities and ecosystems. These risks can manifest as leaks, explosions or safety failures, causing impacts such as pollution of the sea and beaches, air pollution and the extinction of native species. In this scenario, researchers have directed their research to establishing a culture of environmental management in Brazil, while facing crisis situations without preparation, which involves impacts on communities and the environment. Therefore, the recognition of socio-environmental geography in interdisciplinary discussions is essential for understanding environmental and social impacts, in order to protect the environment and preserve biodiversity, thinking about the future of humanity and the planet. In this context, the main objective of this research is to analyze the socio-environmental impacts in Madre de Deus – BA resulting from accidents caused by oil and gas industry activities, in the municipality or in nearby areas, from 2009 to 2023. The methodology developed in this work comprises exploratory-descriptive research and mainly combines two research methods - documentary and field research. The documental research identified accidents and impacts, as well as developing a matrix of impacts, based on the data obtained from the reports included in the administrative processes carried out by the state and municipal environmental agencies. The field research was conducted through observation, the application of semi-structured interviews and photographic records, with the aim of collecting information on the possible socio-environmental impacts in the municipality. These steps were executed on the basis of socio-environmental impacts and taking into account the occurrence of accidents and mitigation actions, communication between stakeholders, and environmental monitoring and protection in the study area, culminating in the development of an integrated view of socio-environmental impacts. This integrated vision emphasizes the importance of understanding the complex relationship between human and nature and provides a holistic understanding of the data collected and analyzed, highlighting the importance of Geographers in investigating socio-environmental risks and impacts resulting from anthropic actions, which can contribute to the formulation of future mitigation strategies and more effective environmental policies to avoid accident scenarios.