Environmental concerns on traditional charcoal production: a global environmental impact value (GEIV) approach in the southern Brazilian context

Roberth Andrés Villazón Montalván (), Marina Medeiros Machado (), Renata Martins Pacheco (), Tadeu Maia Portela Nogueira (), Cátia Regina Silva Carvalho Pinto () and Alfredo Celso Fantini ()
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Roberth Andrés Villazón Montalván: Federal University of Santa Catarina (UFSC)
Marina Medeiros Machado: Federal University of Santa Catarina (UFSC)
Renata Martins Pacheco: University of Porto
Tadeu Maia Portela Nogueira: Federal University of Santa Catarina (UFSC)
Cátia Regina Silva Carvalho Pinto: Federal University of Santa Catarina (UFSC)
Alfredo Celso Fantini: Federal University of Santa Catarina (UFSC)

Environment, Development and Sustainability: A Multidisciplinary Approach to the Theory and Practice of Sustainable Development, 2019, vol. 21, issue 6, No 25, 3093-3119

Abstract: Abstract Environmental concerns on any anthropogenic activity are often systematized in impact assessments. Addressing the environmental impacts of traditional charcoal production is challenging regardless of context and volume produced. Most environmental assessments consider a few aspects when approaching production sustainability, mostly deforestation, forest clearance, and qualitative assessment of pollutant emissions. Charcoal production is more than the linear relation between forest, wood, and charcoal. There are more biophysics and socioeconomic aspects that should be considered when assessing charcoal’s environmental impacts and sustainability. Traditional production in brick beehive kilns is the most common situation in southern Brazil, where, in contrast to the Northern and Central Region of the country, production is aimed for the increasing demand of the domestic market, specifically for barbecue. This paper aims to discuss the impacts of charcoal making under traditional practices in a small-scale production context in southern Brazil, establishing a pertinent and significant environmental assessment which ensembles the vast complexity of production. The study was guided by the principles of qualitative and quantitative research, with exploratory and descriptive nature. The global environmental impact value was used to establish an aggregate impact value. Results suggest that under small-scale traditional practices, charcoal production aggregated impact may be neutral, with the economic dimension noticeably as the most positive impact valued and the health dimension as the most negative one. Results refute the general forejudgement of charcoal as a primary source of deforestation, forest degradation, and root GHG’s emissions. Results reinforces the urgency to adopt adequate policy to assure sustainability effectiveness. Traditional charcoal’s production may then support the livelihood of traditional small-scale farmers as well as the accomplishment of the sustainable development goals in developing countries.

Keywords: Environmental assessment; Developing countries; Charcoal production; Energy; Sustainability (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2019
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DOI: 10.1007/s10668-018-0177-0

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