With just a couple of days of winter left in Brazil, the “coldest” season of the year has decided to surprise us all by unleashing a sudden heat wave (caused by several climate events), bringing a taste of summer to match the warm season in the northern hemisphere.
While winters in Brazil are generally mild, a severe heat wave in the middle of September is a new experience for most Brazilians. Weather reports are now predicting temperatures in excess of 40 degrees Celsius in some parts of the country, meaning anyone in Brazil looking for a winter getaway will have to change their plans.
These weather phenomena so vividly illustrate the effects of climate change on our planet, especially when measured against the already record-high summer temperatures north of the Equator.
Indeed, it’s baffling that there are still skeptics who do not appreciate the existence and severity of climate change.
And while some welcome the unseasonal heat, packing out the beaches of Rio de Janeiro, the wave is altogether more serious for others. Meteorological authorities have issued red weather warnings for half a dozen Brazilian states, with the extremely high temperatures causing a risk for heat stroke, dehydration, and wildfires.
Nevertheless, Brazilians are known for their ability to adapt to changing environments, especially when it comes to enjoying holidays in the warm embrace of summer. We can only hope that these recent examples serve as a wake-up call, prompting a realization that responsible environmental practices can benefit us all in the long run.
Read more here, and check out the creation of this cartoon on The Brazilian Report’s TikTok (@brazilianreport) account!
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