Areas of Brazil could become uninhabitable in 50 years, according to NASA study

A study released by the American Space Agency (NASA) brings a worrying warning for Brazil: some areas of the country may become uninhabitable in the next 50 years due to rising temperatures, one of the consequences of climate change.

Professor Pedro Côrtes, climate and environmental analyst at CNN during the frame CNN Earth displayed during the CNN Prime Time explains that the study does not only consider temperature, but also humidity. “One of the main mechanisms we have to regulate our body temperature is sweat. As sweat evaporates, it removes excess heat from our body, but depending on the level of humidity, it may have difficulty evaporating,” he explains.

This combination of extreme heat and high humidity can significantly compromise the human body’s ability to thermally regulate itself, rendering certain areas uninhabitable.

Evolution of warming in Brazil and the world

An analysis of recent decades reveals a progressive increase in the areas affected by intense heat in Brazil. Maps show that, since 1984, the red spots indicative of high temperatures have expanded in the center of the country, advancing south and reaching the Andes.

The phenomenon is not limited to Brazil. In the United States, the western region, especially California, has become hotter and more prone to wildfires. North Africa is also showing a similar pattern of warming.

Possible solutions and future perspectives

To reverse this alarming scenario, Professor Cortes emphasizes the need for drastic measures: “The right thing to do would be to not only stop deforestation, but also to start forest recovery, that is, to recover degraded areas.” He emphasizes the importance of restoring moisture to the atmosphere and recovering land to maintain Brazil as a country rich in water resources.

In the international political arena, Kamala Harris’s possible candidacy in the United States is viewed with optimism, given her history of action on environmental issues. However, the strong lobbying of the oil and gas industry poses a significant challenge to the implementation of stricter environmental policies.

The NASA study serves as an urgent warning of the need for immediate action against climate change, not only in Brazil, but on a global scale. Preserving our natural resources and adopting sustainable practices are crucial to ensuring a habitable future for future generations.