High temperatures hit a record in recent weeks, both in the city of São Paulo and in the interior of the state, the highest averages of Maximum Temperature (37.1°C) were recorded, according to information from the Climatic Emergency Center (CGE) of the Municipality of São Paulo. Sao Paulo. But the high thermal sensation was not exclusive to this state, the Southeast and Midwest of Brazil reported the highest temperatures (44°C), since the beginning of its measurement in 1910 (Instituto Nacional de Meteorologia, 2020). According to CGE meteorologists, it has been two months since an “Atmospheric Blockade” has been present, which prevents cold fronts from reaching these regions of Brazil, pushing them into the ocean, which creates high temperatures and low humidity, generating a mass of dry air and, consequently, the increase in the thermal sensation.

Why the formation of these atmospheric blockages? According to data from the São Paulo CGE, this year it only rained 20% of the average for that time, which made the beginning of the warmest spring reported since the year 2000. According to researchers, the rainfall pattern was drastically altered by deforestation; according to the Space Research Institute (INPE) there was an increase of 34.5% compared to the data recorded for the same time in 2019. Added to this, according to INPE, for the State of São Paulo the fires increased by 48, 8% in the Atlantic Forest compared to the same period last year. In our region, illegal fires were reported in different municipalities, highlighting the fires in the municipalities of Socorro, Amparo, Serra Negra and Monte Alegre do Sul.

High temperatures could continue if fires and deforestation continue to increase at these rates. Therefore, Associação Ambientalista Copaíba makes a special call to society so that, in case of witnessing a fire or burning, immediately notify the firefighters through the number 193 or the civil defense on the telephone 199 and, in addition to denounce denounce, this type of practice is environmental crime.

Remember that you can be part of the temperature change in your region! Recover the forests on your property, encourage your neighbors to do the same, recover Permanent Preservation Areas, plant trees in city parks, contribute to the cleaning of streams and springs in your region and denounce illegal practices such as deforestation and burning. Do your part!

Copaiba

Associação Ambientalista is a non-profit Civil Society Organization that works in the conservation and restoration of the Atlantic Forest of the Peixe and Camanducaia river basins. Copaíba supports landowners interested in restoring the forests on their properties, contributing to the fight against climate change and improving the quality of water in our region. Learn about the Raízes do Mogi Program, a technical cooperation between International Papel and WWF Brazil, through the execution of Copaíba and learn how to participate: (19) 9 9953-8382. Follow social media through @aacopaiba or the Facebook page: Associação Ambientalista Copaíba