BIOCAPACITY OF BRAZILIAN BIOMES USING EMERGY ECOLOGICAL FOOTPRINT CONCEPTS

Abstract

Abstract This work aimed to assess Brazilian biomes’ biocapacity (BC) using concepts of the Emergy Ecological Footprint method. Climate and forest cover data were interpolated using the Kriging method. In 2016, the Brazilian BC was among the largest in the world, 42.11 gha / cap. The biomes’ forest coverage areas were investigated and simulated in two scenarios: optimistic (with 100% forest coverage) and pessimistic (only 10%). The Amazon’s contribution of half the Brazilian BC would reduce by 88% in a pessimistic scenario. The Atlantic Forest contribution was only 1.9% of the national BC, however, in an optimistic scenario, it would increase by 690%. The reduction of deforestation, fires and expansion of areas protected by law are measures that positively impact the BC of the studied biomes. This methodology can be used as an environmental quality indicator as it adheres to the principles of Sustainable Development.

Keywords

• Environmental Management
• Emergy
• Sustainability Indicators
• Sustainable Development