Effects of Climate Change on Native Firewood Explotation of Paraíba State, Brazilian Semi-arid Region: A Panel Data Approach (1990–2019)

Abstract

This paper analyzed the effects of climatic variables on firewood exploitation in the municipalities of the state of Paraíba (Brazil) from 1990 to 2019. The climatic data analyzed included total rainfall, mean temperature and firewood production data for the municipalities and mesoregions of the state of Paraíba. Data were sampled from 221 municipalities, according to the classification of the Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics. An empirical regression with a panel data strategy was used. The results show that the mesoregions of the state respond differently to the climatic types. Rainfall has a negative impact because temperature positively affects firewood exploitation. The municipalities belonging to the Sertão and Borborema mesoregions are more strongly impacted by climatic variables and have higher firewood exploitation levels compared to the other mesoregions. Climate drivers are preponderant for firewood exploitation. It is necessary to develop a public policy plan aimed at vulnerability level reduction and greater adaptability to climate change, especially in regions where the economy directly depends on climatic variables, as is the case in most of the study area.