Climate Change and Environmental Justice: The Right to Health in Port Areas

Abstract

Brazilian port regions reveal a scenario of profound socio-environmental inequalities, reflected in the disproportionate exposure of vulnerable communities to air and water pollution caused by industrial activities. Based on case studies in ports such as Santos, Rio de Janeiro, Itaguaí, and Paranaguá, significant impacts on public health are observed, including an increase in respiratory, cardiovascular, and chronic diseases, especially among children, the elderly, and economically disadvantaged populations. The central issue examined in this study is the fragility of public policies and regulatory frameworks in protecting the health of these populations, revealing shortcomings in environmental and health governance. The main objective of the research is to analyze the effects of port-related pollution on collective health and to propose legal and institutional alternatives that promote environmental justice in the affected areas. The adopted methodology was qualitative research, based on bibliographic and documentary review. Scientific articles, technical reports, legal norms, and institutional studies were examined, including publications from public agencies, Fiocruz, and universities, as well as empirical evidence on environmental impacts in port communities. The results demonstrate the need to create health protection zones, include health impact assessments in port licensing processes, strengthen community participation, and adopt compensatory measures in public health. The study concludes that addressing inequalities in port regions requires an articulation between law, health, and the environment, based on democratic and integrated governance committed to constitutional principles and the fundamental human rights (FHR) of affected populations.