Socio-environmental impacts of Covid-19 in an educational institution in the state of Pernambuco (NE – Brazil)

Abstract

Aims: To assess the socio-environmental impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic on the academic community of the Federal Institute of Education, Science and Technology of Pernambuco (IFPE) - Cabo de Santo Agostinho Campus, through the analysis of possible changes in family occupation, income and monthly expenses, social distancing behavior, transportation, energy, water and internet consumption, food, waste generation and mask use.

Methodology: This exploratory and qualitative research was based on surveys with students, teachers, technical administrative education servers, and outsourced employees using structured questionnaires.

Relevance: Provide a deeper analysis of the pandemic’s socio-environmental effects on an academic community at the local level.

Results: The data indicate that, during the Covid-19 pandemic (2020 and 2021), there was a drop in family occupation and income, an increase in water, energy, and internet consumption and an increase in both residential and transport expenses, an increase in low nutritional food consumption, and an increase in household waste production. Students comprised mostly of young people and women, were the most affected group.

Social contributions: This study reveals the need for the implementation of more effective social protection policies, especially for the most vulnerable groups, such as students, as well as the development of Environmental Education actions within the community aimed at reducing waste generation, to reduce the socio-environmental impacts of this period.