Climate adaptive capacity in Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil : synergies with renewable energies ?

Abstract

This paper aims to analyze the climate adaptive capacity in Rio Grande do Norte, with a focus on how renewable energies are incorporated as climate adaptation strategies. This analysis, based on a qualitative approach, involved a case study of Rio Grande do Norte through a bibliographic review, document analysis, and semi-structured interviews with key actors from the government, private sector, and civil society engaged in climate and energy issues in the state. Thematic content analysis was used for data interpretation. The findings reveal that the state lacks climate adaptive capacity and does not consider the incorporation of renewable energies as a strategic goal for building this capacity. Therefore, it is concluded that climate adaptive capacity in Rio Grande do Norte remains a challenge for its government, with no substantial dialogue with other actors, even within a context of significant wind and solar energy production.