Extreme weather in Latin America during 2024 has made a huge impact on the region. In Chile, devastating forest fires led to over 130 deaths, marking the worst disaster since the 2010 earthquake. Brazil faced torrential rains resulting in severe city-wide flooding, affecting around 2.4 million people. Meanwhile, Paraguay’s river dropped to its lowest level in 60 years, and Venezuela lost its last glacier. In the Caribbean, Hurricane Beryl struck Grenada as a category 5 storm, setting a new Atlantic record.
Concerns about climate change are rising. A recent survey in the journal Nature Communications showed that over 88% of Latin Americans believe climate change will have serious consequences, with 85% thinking these effects will hit within 25 years. The study surveyed 5,338 people across Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Chile, Ecuador, Peru, and Mexico, representing over 80% of the region’s carbon emissions.
Researchers found that emotions like concern and vulnerability drive this sense of risk more than political beliefs. This is different from the U.S. or Western Europe, where political viewpoints often shape opinions on climate. “Political polarization hasn’t taken root in Latin America’s climate discussion yet,” says Guilherme Fasolin, a political science doctoral student at Vanderbilt University.
In Brazil, there is some political influence on climate perception, especially during Jair Bolsonaro’s presidency (2019-2022). A survey by the Institute of Technology and Society found that 85% of left-leaning Brazilians trust scientists on global warming, compared to 68% of right-leaning individuals. “Trust in science and climate concerns are still strong across all groups,” says researcher Renata Guedes.
To communicate climate risks effectively in Latin America, experts suggest several strategies:
- Decentralize messages: Move away from niche environmental topics.
- Share common values: Connect messages to local experiences.
- Enhance climate education: Promote learning at all levels.
- Show scientific agreement: Use credible voices and “climate influencers.”
- Use clear language: Relate to varied audiences with regional references.
“The climate issue should be a part of everyday conversations, not just discussed in specialized circles,” concludes Guedes. As we face increasing climate challenges, understanding and communication will be vital in shaping responses across Latin America.
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climate change,Extreme weather,Latin America,phenomena,weather
