ASSESSING HYDROPOWER PERCEPTION DISPARITY: A COMPARATIVE STUDY OF LOCALLY IMPACTED PEOPLE AND THE BRAZILIAN NATIONAL POPULATION THROUGH COMPLEMENTARY SURVEY METHODS

In the context of Sustainable Development Goals, addressing the global need for affordable and clean energy is paramount. This paper examines how a population profoundly impacted by the construction of a large hydropower dam in the Brazilian Amazon perceives this and other energy sources, while also comparing their views to those of the national population. Two surveys were conducted, one on a nationwide scale and the other in Altamira, a region deeply impacted by the construction of Belo Monte hydropower dam. The findings suggest that residents near large dams hold a less favorable view of hydropower due to their social and environmental impacts. Nevertheless, it is notable that over 60% of Altamira residents still support hydropower, considering themselves a "sacrifice zone" for the greater national good. This study recommends incorporating national preferences, especially from those directly affected by energy projects, into decision-making processes for energy developments in the Global South.