Geography of risks and vulnerabilities: a briep theoretical and methodological discussion

Abstract

The approaches around the risk have led, in the scientific scope and in the last decades, wide debates about its multiple uses, involving from the theoretical discussion, to evaluation possibilities, measurement, utilization of methods and varied metrics, among other forms which consider this perspective. Thus, this article aimed to identify, discuss and analyze some of these investigative possibilities and interpretations of the different concepts involved in this complex “equation” of risk, in addition to include application examples, among the countless methods and metrics used in geographic science, to measure/evaluate risks and vulnerabilities. This research was done through consultations to the specialized bibliography, as well as contemporary statistic, graphic and cartographic content, which promote pertinent discussions of theoretical and methodological nature. Although the various methods and metrics presented here represent just a slice of the scientific production in measuring risk and vulnerability in its multiple dimensions, they provide a wide debate and link among the different knowledge areas, even contributing to offer an important support for reflection and for the decision takers.