Why is South Brazil increasingly experiencing floods and rains and what does the future hold?

In recent years, southern Brazil has seen an increase in the frequency and magnitude of floods and heavy rainfall. This is due to a combination of factors, including climate change, deforestation and urbanization. Climate change causes the Earth's atmosphere to heat up, leading to increased evaporation and the formation of more clouds.

These clouds can produce heavy rainfall that can quickly overflow drainage systems and cause flooding. Deforestation is also a major factor, as trees help absorb rainwater and reduce runoff. When forests are cleared, more rainwater can reach the ground and flow into rivers and streams, which can cause flooding. Urbanization is also a problem because it increases the number of impervious surfaces, such as pavements and roofs, that prevent water from seeping into the ground. This can lead to increased runoff and flooding.

The consequences of these floods and heavy rains are felt in the south of Brazil. For example, in 2020, flooding in the state of Santa Catarina caused billions of dollars in damage and killed at least 12 people. The floods also severely affected the agricultural sector of the state.

The future of Southern Brazil is likely to see more extreme weather events, including floods and heavy rainfall. This will be due to the ongoing effects of climate change, as well as deforestation and urbanization. In this regard, it is important that the governments and communities of Southern Brazil take measures to prepare and mitigate the consequences of these events. This includes building better infrastructure, such as dams and levees, and implementing early warning systems and evacuation plans. It is also important to protect forests and promote sustainable land use practices.