Brazil sees 460% surge in climate disasters since 1990s
- Brazil recorded 4,077 climate-related disasters between 1991 and 2023
- Increase of 460% from the 1990s to the 2010s
- Droughts and floods accounted for 87% of all events
- 2023 alone saw 189 disasters, a new annual high
Climate disasters quadruple in three decades
Brazil experienced a 460% surge in climate-related disasters from the 1990s to the 2010s, according to a new study published on Tuesday. The research, conducted by the Brazilian National Institute for Space Research and the University of São Paulo, analysed data from 1991 to 2023.
Researchers catalogued 4,077 climate-related events over the 33-year period. The sharpest increase came after 2000, with extreme weather events becoming more frequent and intense.
Droughts and floods lead the toll
Hydrological events — primarily floods and flash floods — accounted for 52% of all disasters recorded. Droughts made up another 35%. Together, these two categories represented 87% of Brazil's climate calamities.
The study also found that 2023 was the worst year on record, with 189 separate climate disasters. That is double the annual average of the previous decade.
Regional disparities emerge
The Southeast region, home to megacities like São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro, recorded the highest number of events. The Northeast, already vulnerable due to semi-arid conditions, experienced the most droughts.
Brazil's vast coastline and Amazon basin make it particularly susceptible to both flooding and prolonged dry spells. Scientists link the trend to rising global temperatures and shifting rainfall patterns.
Data gaps remain
The study relied on official disaster records, which researchers acknowledge may undercount smaller events, especially in remote areas. Officials have not yet confirmed whether the data captures all landslides and storms.
Despite these limitations, the study's authors say the upward trajectory is clear. They warn that without aggressive emissions cuts, Brazil could see even more frequent and severe disasters in the coming decades.
The findings come as Brazil prepares to host the UN climate conference in 2025. The country has already pledged to reduce deforestation and invest in renewable energy, but environmental groups say action has been slow.
What to watch: Brazil's government is expected to release an updated national climate adaptation plan later this year, which may include new early warning systems and disaster relief funding.