Brazil’s intense summer heat brings a series of significant challenges and impacts. We will explore these issues and discuss the policies and programs implemented to address these problems.

Rising summer temperatures can lead to extreme heat waves, especially in Brazil’s North, Northeast, Center-West and Southeast regions.

These high temperatures directly affect people’s health. Excessive heat can cause heatstroke, dehydration, thermal exhaustion, and even death, especially among vulnerable groups such as the elderly and children.

Intense heat is also associated with more frequent dry spells, which impacts the availability of water for human consumption, agriculture, and energy generation.

Some areas of the Brazilian Northeast are already facing desertification, with the countryside being gradually swallowed up by desert areas.

Refrigeration equipment (such as air conditioning) increases significantly with high temperatures, leading to a peak in electricity use.

Extreme heat also affects fauna and flora. Animal and plant species can suffer heat stress, forced migrations, and even extinction. Rising temperatures also affect sensitive ecosystems, such as mangroves and coastal areas.

Brazil has put in place several policies and programs to address extreme heat problems, including:

A. National Green Growth Program:

The federal government has invested in sustainable projects that promote green jobs and protect biodiversity. The objective is to show the world the future lies in Brazil’s green economy.

Clean energy sources, such as solar and wind, replace more polluting fossil sources, contributing to a healthier and cooler environment.

B. Floresta+ and Payment for Environmental Services:

The Floresta+ program encourages the conservation and recovery of forest areas, rewarding rural owners who preserve their lands. The National Policy for Payment for Environmental Services seeks to value actions that benefit the environment, such as protecting springs and restoring ecosystems.

Trees absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen, contributing to environmental balance and mitigating climate change. By protecting green areas, we reduce the heat generated by deforestation and promote climate resilience.

C. Renewable Energy and Sustainability:

More than 80% of Brazil’s electrical matrix comes from renewable sources, such as hydroelectric, wind, and solar plants. Federal programs encourage the production of clean and sustainable energy.

Brazil has made progress in adopting renewable energy sources, such as wind, solar and hydroelectric power.

Investments in research and development and incentive policies have contributed to the expansion of these clean sources.

D. Combating Environmental Crimes and Urban Improvements:

Since 2019, there has been reinforcement in the fight against environmental crimes, expansion of sanitation networks, and incentives for recycling. The end of open dumps and the expansion of basic sanitation contribute to a healthier environment.

Fighting environmental crimes, such as illegal deforestation, protects the environment and mitigates heat.

In summary, Brazil faces significant challenges due to summer heat but has also implemented policies and programs to mitigate these impacts. Awareness, innovation, and a commitment to sustainability are essential to effectively addressing these problems.

This Post was submitted by Climate Scorecard Brazil Country Manager Carlos Alexandre de Oliveira.