Environmental Disturbances in Counties from the Region of “Agreste” in the State of Pernambuco, and the Governmental Actions to Minimize Them, According to Counties’ Managers

Abstract

Purpose: analyze the recent environmental changes and monitor programs of local governments.   Theoretical framework: is supported by  literature  on  the  maturity  level  of  sustainability  and  sustainable.   Method/design/approach: the most populated municipalities of Pernambuco in the mid-dry region of the state were investigated by applying the same questionnaire and interviews used in all Brazil by Instituto Brasileiro de Geografia e Estatística (IBGE) in 2002.   Results and conclusion: Based on the questionnaires, two indices were generated: Anthropic Pressures Index and Anthropic Pressures Mitigation Index. It is proven, from the data, an increase of impacts and a reduced number of local policies.    Research implications: the lack of studies of the environmental situation in the municipalities of Pernambuco is noteworthy, as well as the absence of environmental policies to address these negative impacts.   Originality/value: one of the most debated topics nowadays has been the human impacts on the natural environment. In this respect, public policies aimed at mitigation have been insufficient.