ÍNDICE DE VULNERABILIDADE AMBIENTAL NO VETOR NORTE DA REGIÃO METROPOLITANA DE BELO HORIZONTE, MINAS GERAIS

Since the 1960s, environmental justice has become a central concern for vulnerable groups, supported by local and international institutions, including the United Nations. The involvement of diverse social actors has broadened discussions on environmental justice, particularly regarding the vulnerability of populations exposed to adverse socio-environmental conditions. This study introduces an Environmental Vulnerability Index designed for the Northern Vector of the Belo Horizonte Metropolitan Region. The primary objective was to identify socio-environmental disparities and their alignment with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Factors such as access to essential services, education quality, health conditions, and environmental indicators were evaluated. The methodology integrated the Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) with map algebra techniques. Results revealed that municipalities with lower access to essential services, such as Capim Branco and Santa Luzia, exhibit high levels of environmental vulnerability. In contrast, Belo Horizonte and São José da Lapa were the least vulnerable. By aligning with regional specificities, the SDGs provided a framework for public administrators to make informed decisions, advancing environmental justice. Achieving this goal requires reducing social inequalities, ensuring universal access to fundamental services and education, and fostering participatory and dialogic governance.