drought
Raging fires and deadly floods show climate change impacts worldwide
Record droughts, wildfires, and extreme floods are devastating countries across the globe as climate change intensifies.
In short:
- Wildfires in Portugal, Peru, and California have killed dozens and destroyed homes, with firefighters struggling to contain hundreds of blazes.
- Severe drought in Brazil and neighboring countries has led to historic low water levels, disrupting livelihoods and transport.
- Catastrophic floods in Southeast Asia, Central Europe, and West Africa have left thousands dead and displaced millions due to extreme storms and heavy rains.
Key quote:
“The effects of climate change are intensifying conditions that help spread fire.”
— Peru’s National Forest and Wildlife Service (SERFOR)
Why this matters:
Rising global temperatures are fueling more frequent and severe natural disasters. Without stronger climate policies, these life-threatening events are expected to increase, displacing more communities and harming ecosystems worldwide.
Related EHN coverage:
Low water levels disrupt transportation on the Mississippi River
For the third consecutive year, drought in the Midwest is driving down water levels in the Mississippi River, hampering the transport of fuel and grain and pushing businesses to find alternatives.
In short:
- Drought conditions in the Midwest have lowered Mississippi River water levels since mid-July, causing transportation delays and increased costs for goods like grain and fuel.
- Barge operators are facing rising costs, with barge rates increasing by 57% compared to the three-year average, leading to higher shipping expenses for businesses.
- Climate scientists warn that alternating wet and dry conditions may become more common as climate change affects regional weather patterns.
Key quote:
“This was front and center for us. One of the main things that we talked about were these rapid oscillations … between wet to dry and dry to wet extremes..”
— Aaron Wilson, Ohio’s state climatologist and a professor at Ohio State University
Why this matters:
The Mississippi River plays a crucial role in U.S. agricultural exports. Prolonged disruptions could hurt U.S. farmers, especially soy growers, and allow foreign competitors to gain an advantage in the global market.
Virginia farmers struggle with heat and drought during tough growing season
A combination of extreme heat and prolonged drought devastated Virginia vegetable crops this summer, forcing farmers to adjust their methods in hopes of preserving their harvests.
In short:
- Virginia vegetable farmers faced one of the driest and hottest summers on record, severely impacting crops like tomatoes, peppers, and eggplants.
- Flash droughts, intensified by climate change, quickly developed and worsened, leaving plants without sufficient moisture during key growth periods.
- Some farmers experimented with no-till farming and irrigation but found these methods insufficient without more consistent rainfall.
Key quote:
“This growing season had a drought that was combined with an incredibly long hot spell, and that was the real problem.”
— Hana Newcomb, farmer at Potomac Vegetable Farms
Why this matters:
The increasing frequency of flash droughts threatens food security by destabilizing growing seasons. Climate change is making weather patterns more unpredictable, leaving farmers vulnerable to crop failures without long-term solutions.
Mississippi River's low water levels hurt farmers shipping grain
For the third year in a row, unusually low water levels in the Mississippi River are causing barge companies to limit their cargo, reducing farmers' profits as they ship grain to international buyers.
In short:
- Low water levels in the Mississippi River are forcing barge companies to limit their loads, especially impacting grain shipments.
- Grain freight costs from St. Louis and Memphis are sharply higher compared to last year and the three-year average.
- The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is frequently shifting dredging operations to address the situation.
Key quote:
“When you’ve got a transportation cost increase in any industry the question is, ‘Do I pass those costs onto the customer in the form of a higher price?’”
— Mike Steenhoek, executive director of the Soy Transportation Coalition
Why this matters:
Low water levels on the Mississippi River threaten the efficient transportation of U.S. grain exports. As freight costs rise, farmers can't easily pass on these costs in global markets, impacting their livelihoods.
California scrambles to save Joshua trees as climate and wildfires intensify
In California’s Mojave Desert, rising temperatures, wildfires and invasive grasses are devastating Joshua trees, prompting state officials to create refuges and stricter regulations to protect the species.
In short:
- Recent wildfires have killed millions of Joshua trees, especially in Mojave National Preserve, altering vital desert ecosystems.
- Climate change threatens Joshua trees by increasing temperatures, reducing rainfall and fueling the spread of invasive, flammable grasses.
- California's new Western Joshua Tree Conservation Act aims to safeguard the species by controlling development and protecting key habitats.
Key quote:
“The temperature is important, but rainfall is really important. If you couple higher temperatures and drier conditions, you are screwed.”
— Cameron Barrows, retired research ecologist, UC Riverside
Why this matters:
Joshua trees are a keystone species in the Mojave Desert, supporting diverse wildlife. Their loss would not only devastate ecosystems but also signal severe impacts from climate change in arid regions.
Brazil faces unprecedented drought with wildfires spreading in key areas
Brazil is facing its most widespread and severe drought in over 70 years, with vast areas experiencing wildfires and river levels dropping to historic lows.
In short:
- 59% of Brazil is suffering from drought, with the Amazon and major rivers hitting record low water levels.
- Uncontrolled wildfires, fueled by manmade causes, have ravaged areas including national parks, worsening air quality across regions like Sao Paulo.
- Indigenous communities in drought-hit areas lack clean water and food as rivers dry up and crops fail.
Key quote:
“This used to be the Amazon River. Now it’s a desert. If things get worse, our people will disappear. Now we are realizing the severity of climate change.”
— Myrian Tikuna, local leader
Why this matters:
The drought and wildfires are devastating Brazil's ecosystems and threatening the lives of its Indigenous populations. Climate change and deforestation are intensifying these environmental crises, which could have lasting global impacts.
For more: Climate change will continue to widen gaps in food security, new study finds
EU countries pledge to boost water-saving tech as droughts rise
Southern EU nations agreed to develop water-saving technologies in agriculture to mitigate the worsening effects of climate change, which threatens food security in the region.
In short:
- Officials from nine southern EU countries met in Cyprus to discuss climate-related droughts impacting agriculture.
- They committed to sharing data and research, developing water-efficient farming and creating crops that can withstand harsh conditions.
- Ministers called for increased EU funding to support these initiatives and attract younger farmers.
Key quote:
“Climate change is a real threat to food production worldwide, and this risk is even more severe in the Mediterranean area.”
— Luis Planas, Spain’s Agriculture Minister
Why this matters:
Rising droughts could devastate food supplies in Mediterranean regions, threatening both local economies and global food security. Adaptation to new climate conditions is essential for long-term agricultural sustainability.
Related EHN coverage:
