# Water scarcity and desertification in Brazil

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/water-scarcity-and-desertification-in-brazil
> Updated: 2026-08-15T12:25:00.000Z. Sources: 21. Developments: 2.

Northeast Brazil faces severe water scarcity and climate variability, particularly in the semi-arid sertão region of Pernambuco. Challenges include low precipitation and high evaporation rates, which necessitate management strategies such as rainwater harvesting, desalination, and wastewater reuse through programs like ‘Programa Cisternas’ and ‘Programa Água Doce’.

The situation is compounded by expanding desertification. Data from the Superintendência do Desenvolvimento do Nordeste indicates that approximately 18% of Brazil’s territory is susceptible to desertification, with the affected area growing by 170,000 square kilometers between 2000 and 2020. This land degradation threatens food and water security for roughly 39 million people, disproportionately impacting indigenous populations, quilombolas, and small-scale farmers.

Recent assessments highlight that the affected area grew from 1.35 million to 1.51 million square kilometers during the 2000–2020 period, an expansion roughly equivalent to the combined size of the states of Pernambuco, Paraíba, and Alagoas. This phenomenon is driven by climate variations and human activities, including deforestation and improper agricultural practices. The impacts are most severe in the Caatinga biome, where 11% of the area is in a critical state.

To address these threats, the Brazilian government has launched the PAB-Brazil 2025–2043 action plan and the Recaatingar program. The Recaatingar program specifically aims to recover 10 million hectares of degraded land in the Caatinga over the next 20 years. Brazilian representatives intend to address these environmental and economic threats at the 17th United Nations Conference to Combat Desertification (COP17) in Mongolia.

## Claims

- The 17th United Nations Conference to Combat Desertification (COP17) is being held in Mongolia. (corroborated by 18 sources)
- Approximately 18% of Brazil's territory is classified as Areas Susceptible to Desertification (ASD). (corroborated by 14 sources)
- An estimated 39 million people in Brazil live in zones vulnerable to desertification. (corroborated by 14 sources)
- Traditional and vulnerable populations feel the immediate effects of land degradation. (corroborated by 12 sources)
- Desertification impacts food supply, water security, temperature increases, and both urban and rural economies. (corroborated by 11 sources)
- The area affected by desertification in Brazil grew from 1.35 million to 1.51 million square kilometers between 2000 and 2020. (corroborated by 8 sources)
- The 170,000 square kilometer increase in affected land is roughly equivalent to the combined area of Pernambuco, Paraíba, and Alagoas. (corroborated by 5 sources)
- The Brazilian Action Plan to Combat Desertification and Mitigate the Effects of Drought (PAB-Brazil 2025–2043) was launched in March 2026. (corroborated by 3 sources)

## Timeline

### 2026-08-15: Brazil desertification threatens food and water security for 39 million people

Desertification affects 18% of Brazil, threatening the food and water security of 39 million people. The crisis is a key topic at COP17 in Mongolia as Brazil implements new national mitigation plans.

19 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/brazil-desertification-threatens-food-and-water-security

### 2026-08-13: Water scarcity and climate variability in Northeast Brazil

Water scarcity in Northeast Brazil, especially in Pernambuco, is driven by irregular rainfall and high evaporation. Solutions include desalination, cisterns, and improved infrastructure.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/water-scarcity-and-climate-variability-in-northeast-brazil

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Cite as: Water scarcity and desertification in Brazil. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/water-scarcity-and-desertification-in-brazil