Urbanization, migratory dynamics and sustainability in the Brazilian Semi-Arid Region: the role of the cities in the environmental adaptation process

Abstract

The urban environment issue usually focuses on metropolitan areas, leaving the traditional regions of emigration in Brazil stigmatized as stagnant rural areas. However, the urban transition in the country is already widespread and such regions, which have been consolidating as urban areas, play a decisive role in the retention of population. From the standpoint of sustainability, urban growth should not be seen as a negative issue in itself, because urban transitions reflect distinct results in different contexts and moments. Therefore, the article aims to introduce elements that problematize this discussion in the context of the recent urbanization of the Brazilian Semi-Arid Region, located in the Northeast of the country, showing the potentials and limitations to think about adaptation regarding the most common natural disaster in the region: droughts.