Assessment of the Perception of Environmental Problems in Juazeiro do Norte, Ceará

Objective: The aim of the following research was to evaluate the perception of environmental problems present in Juazeiro do Norte, Ceará, by interviewing part of the city's population. Theoretical framework: Environmental perception is an essential component of urban quality of life and socio-environmental sustainability. It refers to the way in which individuals interpret visual, auditory and emotional stimuli in urban spaces, and is influenced by physical and social factors. Well-planned environments promote well-being, reducing stress and promoting safety, while degraded spaces compromise health and social cohesion. Thus, the aesthetic and functional appreciation of public spaces strengthens the sense of community and civic engagement. In this sense, the participation of the population of the city of Juazeiro do Norte in urban planning is decisive in aligning the built environment with local demands, thereby contributing to more effective and sustainable public policies. Method: The study adopted a qualitative and quantitative methodology, with a descriptive nature, through the application of a structured questionnaire. The research was conducted in Juazeiro do Norte, a city with approximately 286 thousand inhabitants. The sample population consisted of 140 volunteers residing in the city, selected in a non-probabilistic manner, respecting ethical and legal criteria. Data were collected through an electronic form with objective questions about social profile and perception of urban environmental problems. Descriptive analysis was performed to prepare graphs in Excel spreadsheets. Results and discussion: According to the results obtained in this research, there was a predominance of males (59.1%) and a greater participation of individuals over 30 years of age (63.6%). The most frequent level of education was high school (54.5%). The majority (81.8%) perceive the urban environment of Juazeiro do Norte as partially well preserved, although they recognize the existence of degraded areas. Approximately 95.5% of the participants expressed an interest in having a greater participation in environmental issues, while 81.8% pointed out insufficient dissemination of environmental standards. The expressions most associated with the environment were conservation/preservation (63.6%) and environmental planning/management (22.7%). Regarding the main environmental problems, irregular garbage disposal (45.8%) and open sewage (25%) stand out. The causes indicated for these problems were deficiencies in planning and management (37.5%), lack of awareness (25%) and low government priority (16.7%). Research implications: The results highlight the importance of integrating the population's environmental perception into urban planning and public policies in Juazeiro do Norte. Likewise, the sensitivity to environmental perceptions that differ between genders and age groups demonstrates the need for adapted educational and participatory strategies to strengthen community engagement and the effectiveness of environmental actions. Originality/value: The research offers a contribution on urban environmental perception in Juazeiro do Norte, integrating quantitative and qualitative analysis to identify sociocultural factors that impact environmental engagement, providing subsidies to improve public policies and local environmental management strategies.