Environmental perception of society in the municipality of Cruzeiro do Sul-AC, 2016

Abstract

This study addresses the environmental perception of inhabitants of the municipality of Cruzeiro do Sul in the state of Acre. Its main objective was to generate information on the level of environmental perception of this population to support the elaboration of public policies that foster an environmental management shared between public authorities and society. In specific terms, this research aimed to: (a) Characterize the population of Cruzeiro do Sul and (b) Identify and analyze the different environmental perceptions and levels of information about the Environment. For this purpose, data were collected, through interviews with 140 local residents, aged between 16 and 67 years old, addressing socioeconomic aspects and environmental perception of these inhabitants. The main conclusions generated were: (a) Most respondents are between 26 and 45 years old and have at least completed secondary education; (b) Most respondents rate the quality of life in the municipality as being fair to good; (c) The biggest environmental problems in the municipality are garbage and lack of basic sanitation; (d) The best way to solve environmental problems is to raise public awareness; and (e) Most residents believe that, by controlling polluting sources, there can be economic and social development without generating impacts.