Deforestation exacerbated deadly Brazil floods, say experts

The articles report on severe climate-related disasters affecting different regions. In Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, record rainfall has caused devastating floods and mudslides in 464 cities since April 29, impacting over 2.2 million residents. This extreme weather event is the region's fourth in less than a year, with scientists attributing it to both global and regional climate change factors, including the loss of native vegetation. The region has lost 22% of its native vegetation, or 3.6 million hectares, from 1985 to 2022. In contrast, the Amazon rainforest is struggling to recover from drought, with more than a third of it showing signs of weakening resilience. This raises concerns that the forest may be degrading towards a point of no return, following four supposedly "one-in-a-century" dry spells in less than 20 years.