In recent months, Central South America has experienced deadly heatwaves with temperatures surpassing 40 degrees Celsius (104 degrees Fahrenheit) during late winter and early spring. Scientists have linked this extreme heat to human-induced climate change, highlighting the urgency of addressing the climate crisis.
The blame had initially been partially placed on the La Niña phenomenon this year, but a rapid study conducted by weather researchers revealed that human-caused climate change was the primary driver behind this unusual warmth. The affected region includes parts of Paraguay, central Brazil, Bolivia, and Argentina, where heatwave warnings were issued.
Using statistical analysis of historical trends, on-ground data, and computer models, it was found that temperatures during this period increased by approximately 1.4 to 4.3 degrees Celsius (2.5 to 7.7 degrees Fahrenheit) due to climate warming caused by human activities.
Such high temperatures were nearly impossible in the past but are projected to occur approximately every 30 years. If global warming increases by two degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels, similar heatwaves are expected every five to six years.
Lincoln Muniz Alves, a researcher at the Brazilian National Institute for Space Research, emphasized that the primary message revealed that human factors, not natural ones, were behind this climate extreme. He stated, “We want to be clear—the emerging La Niña phenomenon would have contributed some warmth, but without climate change, this extreme spring heat was highly unlikely.”
Millions of people have been affected by the soaring temperatures in Brazil, Bolivia, Argentina, and Paraguay during the spring season. Maximum temperatures nationwide exceeded 40 degrees Celsius, causing severe heat-related impacts. Although four heat-related deaths were reported in São Paulo, scientists believe the true extent of the casualties may not be known for several months.
As climate change continues to intensify, addressing its consequences becomes a critical global priority. The alarming heatwaves in South America underscore the need for concerted efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and mitigate the impacts of a warming planet.