Structuring Objectives for Climate Risk Management in Coastal Cities: A Value-Focused Thinking (VFT) Approach

Climate change intensifies extreme events in urban areas, challenging the prioritization of mitigation actions in coastal cities. This work applies the Value-Focused Thinking (VFT) approach to structure the strategic objectives of risk management in Natal/RN, based on the Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation Plan (PMAMC). Methodologically, the VFT was used to identify and hierarchically organize the values of the institutional decision-maker, transforming strategic intentions into fundamental objectives and means of action. As a result, four strategic axes and ten operational criteria were identified, evidencing dependency relationships and trade-offs relevant to the prioritization of actions. The proposed structure strengthens transparency in municipal climate governance by making explicit the values that guide urban resilience.