Environmental issues have long been framed in terms of what the Earth’s residents will “leave behind” for future generations. However, this lens has become outdated. A new report by *The Nation* highlights the very real effects that our overheating planet is already having on Brazil’s youngest children—babies and toddlers—who are being deeply rattled by climate-related chaos.
### What’s Happening?
According to the humanitarian organization and charity Oxfam, Brazil and its South American neighbors don’t even make the list of nations most affected by the warming world. Yet *The Nation*’s reporting from Brazil paints an even more alarming picture, given what the parents and children profiled have endured in just a few short years.
Patricia dos Santos lives in Alvarães, in the state of Amazonas. The article opens with the tense story of the birth of her daughter, Luna. Dos Santos, the daughter of a renowned midwife, planned to have her baby at home but experienced last-minute complications.
In September 2023, Alvarães was in the grip of a severe drought, which cut off dos Santos’ path to urgently needed medical attention. This forced her to endure a risky, hour-long motorcycle ride on a dirt road with her grandmother on the back of the bike. Luna was ultimately delivered by C-section.
At just one year old, Luna had to accompany her mother along the same difficult route to obtain food amid dangerously high temperatures. The drought had returned and was once again ravaging the region, driving food prices sky-high.
Another family facing climate turmoil is that of Raphaela Cunha Brito. Her son, Manu, was born under similarly tumultuous conditions after floods destroyed entire neighborhoods. Cunha Brito herself suffered a urinary tract infection after coming into contact with floodwaters during a rescue mission. Meanwhile, Manu spent 10 days in intensive care as a result of complications.
Manu’s older sister, Isabeli, is only four years old but is now terrified of rain. According to Manu’s godmother, Victória Cosner, “I have a book at home about Miami, with pictures of the ocean. When she sees it, she points and says, ‘flood.’”
### Why Is This Important?
Floods and droughts are forms of extreme weather, and they are being intensified by higher temperatures and warming seas worldwide. While floods, hurricanes, wildfires, and droughts have always occurred, evaporation driven by hotter air and water is ramping up these events, making them more frequent and severe.
Extreme weather is deadlier, costlier, and more destructive than standard weather. But as Brazil’s children show us, the damage goes far beyond immediate destruction.
*The Nation* points out that pregnancy and the first year of life are critical periods of development. Early difficulties during these stages can lead to lifelong challenges. The adverse effects of prenatal stress are well-documented, and climate instability adds further risks.
Marcia Castro, head of the Department of Global Health and Population at Harvard University, explains: “Some of these climate effects can trigger inflammatory processes, can cause changes in the child’s body that will have consequences in adulthood and old age, associated with cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and obesity. These diseases are actually the main causes of death not only in Brazil but worldwide.”
### What’s Being Done About It?
Raising awareness of key climate issues is a crucial first step in addressing the impacts of extreme weather. Discussing these threats with family and friends helps ensure that more people become informed and motivated to take action.
Understanding how climate change affects even the youngest and most vulnerable among us is essential to shaping a healthier, more resilient future for all.
https://www.yahoo.com/news/articles/experts-raise-concerns-over-growing-001000339.html