Climate disruptions bring long-term impact in Paraguay

Significance

While the current La Nina event has been more prolonged than usual, the drought effects are not unprecedented. However, they have been exacerbated by record heatwaves believed to be affected by deforestation and climate change. This is having a negative impact on the economy, particularly agriculture and the river-dependent transport sector.

Impacts

• Lower rainfall and extreme heat will have major economic impacts on Paraguay as a landlocked country.
• Continued weather disruption could have a long-term impact on crucial hydropower revenues.
• A shift to road cargo transport will increase dependence on fossil fuel use.