A Heatwave Sweeps South America: The Impact on Brazil and the Sustainable Development Goals
A ferocious heatwave was sweeping South America, and samba composer Beto Gago (Stuttering Bob) saw only one thing to do: pop out for an ice-cold beer with his drinking buddy Joel Saideira – Last Order Joel.
Introduction
In the midst of a scorching heatwave, residents of Irajá, Rio’s hottest neighborhood, are experiencing extreme temperatures. This is not an isolated incident, as Brazil and other parts of South America are also facing unseasonably high temperatures. This article explores the impact of the heatwave on Brazil and emphasizes the importance of addressing climate change in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The Heatwave’s Impact on Brazil
With temperatures reaching over 40C (104F), Brazil is facing one of its hottest springs in recent history. Comparisons have been drawn between the heat in Brazil and global hotspots such as Iraq, Iran, Saudi Arabia, and even Dallol, Ethiopia – the world’s hottest inhabited place. This extreme heat is not limited to Irajá; other regions in Brazil, including São Paulo, have also experienced record-breaking temperatures.