Brazil faces extreme weather risks from El Niño

Brazil is facing a series of extreme weather events driven by the El Niño phenomenon, including severe heatwaves, high winds, and increased wildfire risks. The National Institute of Meteorology (Inmet) has issued alerts for wind gusts reaching up to 100 km/h in parts of São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro, warning of potential structural damage and falling trees.

Simultaneously, intense heatwaves with temperatures up to 5°C above average are impacting public health, increasing risks of dehydration and neurological complications such as strokes. In Rio de Janeiro, authorities have launched an integrated plan to coordinate responses between state and municipal governments to manage heat, drought, and a 100% increase in forest fires.

The economic implications are significant. The agricultural sector faces high vulnerability to unpredictable weather, prompting calls for improved rural insurance, credit access, and technical assistance. Additionally, the climate crisis is presenting new challenges for labor law and corporate resilience, as extreme events impact workforce stability and physical assets.