AVALIAÇÃO AMBIENTAL ESTRATÉGICA: um instrumento ético para orientar a expansão do etanol brasileiro no contexto do desenvolvimento sustentável

Abstract

The need to treat negative consequences of a socially unfair and environmentally irresponsible way of life move the peoples of the Earth to new forms of interaction and union in front of common enemies. Oil and other fossil fuels contributed greatly to scientific, technical and economic progress, but they also brought suffering and pollution to the whole world, specially as a consequence of the Industrial Revolution. Replacing them is a must. Then, there is a global search for energy sources that are economically efficient, yet also capable of dealing with socio-environmental problems of development. Brazil caries an internationally recognized successful experience in ethanol production and bets on ethyl alcohol, made from sugar cane, as the best alternative to the petroleum. It is nevertheless necessary to reduce the collateral environmental risks. The Strategic Environmenal Assessment (SEA) for policies, plans and programs originated from the environmental impact assessment (EIS), that is an institutional environmental investigation process made under sustainable development principles. SEA is a tool aiming to reduce uncertainties of State actions within the frame of the Brazilian ethanol expansion program and to connect alcohol production to sustainable development paradigms.