Brazil is already experiencing the brutal impacts of climate change

Abstract

Brazil is increasingly experiencing severe climate events, including extreme droughts, wildfires, floods, and heatwaves, driven by both excessive rainfall and prolonged dry periods. These disasters have resulted in significant environmental, economic, and social losses, deepening inequality and fuelling public health crises. Climate change is disproportionately affecting vulnerable populations and contributing to the rise of disease outbreaks such as dengue and Oropouche fever. Brazil’s vulnerability stems from its diverse ecosystems, heavy reliance on agriculture and hydropower, and its critical role in global climate dynamics due to widespread deforestation. This paper examines the country’s future challenges and outlines strategies to address extreme weather events, including the development of climate adaptation policies, enhanced deforestation monitoring, and strengthened disaster preparedness. To improve resilience, Brazil must invest in comprehensive risk assessments, the integration of disaster risk indicators, and the establishment of a national climate-disaster reporting system to better anticipate, mitigate, and manage the impacts of extreme climate events.