“Comunicação democrática”: uma ferramenta para a mediação de conflitos socioambientais na indústria de energias renováveis

Abstract

Energy production, energy supply, and consumption are fundamental components of modern human society. Energy serves as the material foundation for socioeconomic and technological development, facilitating comfort, safety, and well-being. Conversely, the energy market exerts detrimental effects on the natural environment, particularly concerning greenhouse gas emissions resulting from human activities such as the combustion of fossil fuels, which is among the largest contributors to global climate change. Furthermore, these activities are linked to air pollution, ecosystem degradation, and various social conflicts associated with the exploitation of natural resources. In light of this cenarium, renewable energy sources are increasingly recognized as vital components of the solution to mitigate these adverse impacts, offering sustainable and low-carbon alternatives. The massive development of renewable energy can play a significant role in the decarbonization of the energy matrix and signifies a transition to an economic model that aligns with global climate commitments. This commitment is particularly salient in Rio Grande do Norte (RN), which has established itself as a prominent player in the global renewable energy landscape, especially in wind energy production. Currently, RN functions as a hub for wind energy in Brazil, housing 304 operational wind farms (28% of the national total) with an installed capacity of 10 GW, accounting for 32% of the nation's total capacity. This situation necessitates heightened attention to the socioeconomic and environmental developments arising from the dynamics of this market. These data prompt critical discourse regarding the challenges associated with wind energy and the environmental, social, and economic pillars of sustainability in RN. This study aims to elucidate the socio-environmental implications of expanding wind energy projects in RN and aims to illustrate how the application of communication tools can mitigate socio-environmental conflicts linked to these initiatives. Here, we will investigate the reverberations of the expansion of wind energy projects within the socio-environmental domain, with a particular focus on the impact of trust and transparent communication with local communities through questionary. The methodology will employ a mixed-methods approach, integrating quantitative and qualitative research alongside a case study developed in the potiguar cities Rio do Fogo, Guamaré, Parazinho e Galinhos and also content analysis of relevant scientific literature. We anticipate that implementing mechanisms for public participation, active communication, and public mediation, in conjunction with enhanced transparency from wind energy companies, will foster greater understanding of land use and aid in mitigating potential socio-environmental impacts. This approach aims to enhance dialogue among policymakers, decision-makers, and various stakeholders, while cultivating an environment of trust and cooperation—essential components for the successful implementation of renewable energy projects and the sustainable development of affected communities.