A study by the Amazon Environmental Research Institute warns that Brazil could record up to 127 days of extreme heat per year by 2075 if current climate change trends continue.
This means going from the current average of six annual days to almost a third of the year under dangerous conditions.
The report also forecasts an increase of 1.7 °C in the national average maximum temperature, which would intensify environmental, health, and economic risks.
Expected Impacts
Heatwaves would cease to be exceptional events and become a recurring condition. Among the most relevant consequences:
- Public health: increase in heat-related illnesses, dehydration, cardiovascular and respiratory complications.
- Higher energy demand: intensive use of air conditioning and refrigeration.
- Loss of labor productivity: thermal stress reduces work capacity.
- Pressure on health systems: more consultations and hospitalizations due to heat strokes.
- Compromised agriculture: lower crop yields, alteration of agricultural calendars, and risk to food security.
- Endangered ecosystems: prolonged droughts, forest fires, and accelerated degradation.
Main Health Risks
Extreme heat in Brazil already causes serious health problems:
Heat stress and heat stroke: body temperature exceeds 40 °C, a medical emergency.
Respiratory problems: hot air dries out the respiratory tract; extreme heat causes twice as many respiratory deaths as cold.
Heart diseases: the heart works harder, increasing heart attacks.
Tropical diseases: high temperatures favor the reproduction of mosquitoes that transmit dengue and other viruses.
Prevention Tips
UNMET and specialists recommend basic measures to reduce risks:
- Constant hydration: drink water all day, even without feeling thirsty.
- Avoid the sun: do not expose yourself between 10:00 AM and 4:00 PM.
- Cool the body: wear loose clothing, take cool showers, and stay in ventilated places.
- Monitor official alerts: follow notices from the National Institute of Meteorology (INMET).
Structural Recommendations
The report suggests public policies to face the scenario:
- Expand urban green areas.
- Invest in resilient infrastructure.
- Implement early warning systems.
- Develop contingency plans for extreme events.
- Reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Brazil faces a future where extreme heat could become the norm. The impacts range from public health to agriculture and ecosystems.
Individual prevention and structural policies are essential to mitigate risks and protect millions of people.
