Environmental Disasters in Rio Grande do Sul and the Discourse on Green Energy: Notes on Wind Energy and Green Hydrogen

DOI: https://doi.org/10.15210/cedepem.v3i3.31004

Abstract

Abstract: The increasing recurrence of climatic events in the state of Rio Grande do Sul has intensified the debate regarding the necessity to conceptualize and confront contemporary climate change. However, this discourse frequently gravitates towards solutions that are merely adjacent to the underlying structural problem. Consequently, this study seeks to discuss the energy transition, questioning the extent to which wind energy and green hydrogen projects may be antithetical to an environmentally just and secure future. This is exemplified through the context of the municipality of São José do Norte (RS) and the numerous development projects currently being articulated for the region, ranging from Pinus silviculture and titanium mining to the implementation of the largest wind farm in Latin America. The article concludes by considering research agendas that must prioritize environmental justice to safeguard the territories of traditional peoples and communities affected by large-scale enterprises, thereby addressing climate change while accounting for the most vulnerable populations.

Keywords: Energy Transition; Environmental Justice; Climate Change; Development Projects; Traditional Communities.

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Author Biographies

Caio Floriano dos Santos, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande (FURG)

Oceanógrafo (Univali) e Licenciado em Geografia (Furg). Mestre em Planejamento Territorial e
Desenvolvimento Socioambiental (Udesc) e Doutor em Educação Ambiental (Furg). Integrante do
Observatório dos Conflitos do Extremo Sul do Brasil (Furg).

Júlia Gomes Ilha, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS)

Bióloga pela Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Mestra em Desenvolvimento Rural
(PGDR/UFRGS) e Doutoranda em Ecologia (PPG Ecologia/UFRGS). Integrante do Núcleo de Estudos
Geografia e Ambiente (NEGA/UFRGS).

Giulia Assunção Sichelero, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS)

Geógrafa pela Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS) e Mestranda em Geografia (PPG
Geografia/UFRGS). Integrante do Núcleo de Estudos Geografia e Ambiente (NEGA/UFRGS).

Published
2026-01-23
Issue
Vol. 3 No. 3 (2023): Revista CEDEPEM: Dossiê Especial "Sociedade e Emergência climática no Rio Grande do Sul"
Section
Artigos