Researchers have identified Brazil’s first-ever arid zone in northern Bahia, a shift from semi-arid status caused by rising temperatures and falling rainfall. This transition, occurring in just one generation, threatens to accelerate desertification in the Caatinga biome and serves as a national climate warning. Local communities dependent on goat rearing are struggling as crops die and traditional water sources evaporate in the extreme heat. Experts warn these climate shifts are irreversible, necessitating urgent adaptation and mitigation strategies.
Date: December 28, 2025. Source: theguardian.com