Brazil coordinates national response to El Niño climate risks

Brazilian federal, state, and municipal authorities are coordinating large-scale preparedness plans to mitigate the projected impacts of the El Niño phenomenon for the 2026/2027 cycle. The phenomenon is expected to cause significant climate shifts, including reduced rainfall, higher temperatures, and increased drought risks, particularly in the Northeast and Northern regions.

In the North, officials are monitoring potential severe drought and increased fire risks that could affect river navigation, water supply, and local communities. In Bahia, the state government, in partnership with the Union of Municipalities of Bahia (UPB) and the federal government, has established a committee to develop a State Action Plan covering water security, family agriculture, health, and civil defense.

The Ministry of Health has also mobilized managers from 26 states and the Federal District to build state-level contingency plans to protect populations from climate-related health risks. Additionally, federal ministers are conducting regional dialogues across Brazil to engage civil society and integrate public policies for emergency response.