Climate change, food insecurity, and public health in the Baixada Santista challenges and resilience strategies

Abstract

Climate change poses a concrete and growing threat to the fulfillment of the fundamental rights to health and adequate food, as guaranteed by the 1988 Federal Constitution. In this context, the intensification of extreme events such as floods, sea level rise and heatwaves undermines food production and worsens sanitary conditions, especially in coastal and densely urbanized areas like the Baixada Santista. This makes the issue one of significant social concern. This study aims to analyze the relationships between climate change, food insecurity and public health, with a focus on the municipalities of Santos and Guarujá. It highlights the main challenges and adaptation strategies. A qualitative approach was adopted, based on the documentary analysis of official sources, including the Regional Climate Adaptation and Resilience Plan of Baixada Santista (PRARC-BS), municipal reports and public health data. The results show that the climate crisis exacerbates socioeconomic vulnerability, limits access to fresh and nutritious food, increases the risks of malnutrition and diet-related diseases, and places additional pressure on the local public health system. The study concludes that, although important initiatives are in progress, such as PRARC-BS and municipal investments in adaptation infrastructure, the realization of the rights to health and food depends on intersectoral, inclusive and sustainable strategies that prioritize the protection of vulnerable populations in the face of the climate emergency.