Politícas públicas de meio ambiente : atores sociais e consumo de água em Caxias do Sul (1988 A 2008)

Abstract

This study has the aim of analyzing water consumption in Caxias do Sul during the period from 1988 to 2008, and how it is being addressed by public policies and the environmental movement. In order to show the historical evolution of environmental policies in Brazil, and in the city of Caxias do Sul, it is necessary to do some research on this period of time, as it is needed for building rights relating to the elaboration of public policies. To achieve this goal, we need to take into consideration the National Policy of Water Resources. This would include the innovations brought in by law, especially now, with the prediction of the participation of civil society and group of decision makers. The aim of this study is guided on the claim that Caxias do Sul was built (and grew) because of the urban and industrial expansion of the last thirty years, giving rise to the characteristics of a risk society. This in turn, has triggered environmental impacts, with some that are noticeable today,that could compromise the quality and quantity of water for human consumption in the future. This threat could become an irreversible problem. To achieve the objective of this analysis, methodological strategies were used that were crucial to the deepening of the sociological understanding of this issue. By use of Surveys and data statistics, it was noted, however, that there are individuals who are unaware of these issues. Now, thanks to a newly raised sense of awareness, they are able to reflect and understand on which direction to act. Between the environmental organizations and civic associations there is a need to reverse and revise the work process necessary in formatting social and environmental policies. Given these findings, this paper attempts to ascertain the concerns of social actors that make up the collegiate level of environmental agencies. This has led to joint implementation of environmental policies in the municipality, yet at the same time, certain segments of society do not have the balancing mechanisms in place, which could be considered a risk in the face of future environmental damage. In this respect, we have to question both individualistic and market behavior. The possibility of implementing mechanisms which would be against environmental damage, through movement and reflexivity in the face of degradation, would decrease uncertainties and risks. As social actors research and share their diverse knowledge on the issues surrounding water in the district, participation and joint decision-making by the Basin Committee and the Municipal Council of Environment, new environmental policies would be able to be coordinated and implemented. To that extent, there are references to environmental justice in this study, showing the articulation and recognition of these laws, alongside public policy. This work, therefore, tries to merge the relationship between the instances of institutional and environmental movements - represented by non-governmental organizations and civic associations - and preventive public policies which are implemented so far by public managers. Finally, civilian citizens would be elected as important social actors at the time of environmental policy-making, and at the same time detecting if it is possible to maintain a contradictory relationship with the environment.