The Brazilian Cerrado is becoming hotter and drier

The Brazilian Cerrado, a critical global biodiversity hotspot, is experiencing significant warming and drying trends. Research indicates that maximum temperatures have risen by 2.2–4.0°C, while minimum temperatures increased by 2.4–2.8°C between 1961 and 2019. These changes, supported by multiple datasets including direct observations, remote sensing, and modeling, have led to a 15% decrease in relative humidity despite an increase in absolute humidity. The warming is also reducing nocturnal dewfall, a vital water source for many species during the dry season. These shifts could disrupt ecosystems and threaten biodiversity if current trends persist.

Hofmann, G. S., Cardoso, M. F., Alves, R. J. V., Weber, E. J., Barbosa, A. A., de Toledo, P. M., Pontual, F. B., Salles, L. d. O., Hasenack, H., Cordeiro, J. L. P., Aquino, F. E., & de Oliveira, L. F. B. (2021). The Brazilian Cerrado is becoming hotter and drier. Global Change Biology, 27(17), 4060–4073. Portico. https://doi.org/10.1111/gcb.15712