Socio-Environmental Impacts in Informal Urban Settlements

Abstract

Aim – Analyze, critically, the environmental licensing process of informal urban settlements, seeking to improve the instrument in a context of climate change. Methodology - This is a qualitative approach in which the documentary research method was used in environmental licensing processes of informal urban land subdivisions in the Federal District. Originality/relevance - There is a scarcity of studies investigating licensing in informal urban settlements. Considering that environmental licensing is required for activities that may cause socio-environmental damage and aims to mitigate or compensate for such damage, research that empirically evaluates the application of the instrument should be encouraged. Results - In general, environmental licensing in informal urban settlements has not been efficient, mitigation measures are not complied with, monitoring is unsatisfactory, there is a lack of indicators to measure urban environmental quality, and there is a lack of analysis of technological alternatives that consider climate projections and nature-based solutions. Theoretical/methodological contributions: Research on environmental licensing processes for informal urban settlements for low-income (ARIS) and high-income populations (ARINE) has contributed to complement the global literature, focused on investigating the mining and energy sectors. Comparative research on informal urban land subdivision in other socioeconomic contexts is recommended. Social and environmental contributions - Low-income settlements in ARIS are more vulnerable to socio-environmental risks and climate change than settlements in ARINE, requiring greater attention from managers to reduce this vulnerability.