Brazilian Seminar Highlights Risk Communication as Public Policy Tool

The first International Seminar on Risk Communication and Culture of Care took place from May 26 to 28, organized by the Cuidar_Com research group of PUCRS’s postgraduate communication program together with the Liberato Salzano Vieira da Cunha Municipal School. Academics, social‑movement representatives and members of peripheral communities discussed the growing importance of clear communication for managing extreme events and climate‑change risks.

Speakers included Professor Cora Quinteros (UTFPR), involved in United Nations risk‑reduction networks, who called the initiative a milestone for risk‑communication policies, and sociologist Norma Valencio (UFSCar), who stressed that risk communication must become a public‑policy priority. Research presented by Maria Isabel Bellini (PUCRS) on recent disasters in Rio Grande do Sul and Amazonas showed persistent gaps in communication across governmental and civil sectors, highlighting the need for participatory approaches and strategies to combat misinformation.