A new study points out that the Cerrado’s rivers will lose 34% of their flow by 2050, if the destruction of the biome continues at the current rate.
There has already been a 15.4% loss due to deforestation and climate change between 1985 and 2022.
In an interview with CNN Radio the researcher responsible for the survey Yuri Salmona explained that the numbers indicated “are strong.”
“The estimated water loss is equivalent to eight times the flow of the Nile River, which is quite large for this period.”
The consequences, according to the researcher, are already being felt.
“Everyone remembers the water rationing in different capitals around the Paraná basin in 2019 and others, as a result of this type of impact.”
This is due to both climate change and deforestation.
“Another effect is the energy crisis, since the country’s matrix is very focused on the hydroelectric part”, he added.
The expert says that there is a conflict in rural areas over water.
“The two main inputs for agriculture are water and climate predictability, the study shows that deforestation in the cerrado is affecting the provision of both, the very advance of the sector makes agricultural production unfeasible.”
At the same time, Yuri reinforced that it is possible to reverse the situation.
“It is necessary to ensure that public policies are designed and implemented that understand water, water resources, climate change and deforestation in a combined way.”
This will allow thinking about water protection, maintenance of native vegetation and monitoring of water consumption.
*With production by Isabel Campos
Source: CNN Brasil
