# Extreme Weather Losses in Brazil Surge 67% in First Half Economic damages hit R$ 51.9 billion as climate events double in frequency. - **Source:** [Folha de S.Paulo](https://www.folha.uol.com.br) - **Published:** 2026-11-09 - **Topic:** [Business](https://brifing.si/c/business) - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/fbae3b60-590c-4bdf-8e23-29ef881aeabd ## Sharp Rise in Damages Economic losses from extreme weather in Brazil reached R$ 51.9 billion in the first half of 2026, a 67.4% increase compared to the same period in 2025. The frequency of significant events also surged, rising from 10 to 24 occurrences, representing a 140% increase in recorded climate-related disasters nationwide. ## Surpassing Annual Records Data released by the National Confederation of Insurers (CNseg) at COP31 reveals that losses in just six months have already exceeded the total R$ 46 billion recorded throughout 2025. Over the 18-month period ending in June 2026, total economic damages caused by climate events have reached approximately R$ 98 billion. ## Defining Climate Events The study classifies events based on three specific criteria: financial losses exceeding R$ 300 million, at least ten fatalities, or over one hundred people affected. The scope includes droughts, floods, landslides, and forest fires. Even if a disaster spans multiple municipalities, it is counted as a single event in the report. ## Agricultural Sector Impact Agriculture remains the most vulnerable sector, accounting for 87.8% of total losses, equivalent to R$ 86 billion. While storms and floods occur more frequently, prolonged droughts are responsible for 93% of the financial impact due to their ability to devastate vast productive areas over several months of continuous dry weather. ## Broader Economic Consequences Beyond direct crop and livestock losses, the decline in agricultural output ripples through commerce, services, and local household incomes. Public infrastructure also faces strain, as water scarcity necessitates emergency government spending on water trucks and well drilling to maintain basic supply for populations affected by the ongoing environmental crisis. ## Urban Vulnerability Profiles In urban areas, the nature of damage differs significantly from rural regions. Intense rainfall, floods, and landslides primarily destroy residential properties, commercial establishments, and public infrastructure. These events are also responsible for a higher number of casualties, including deaths, injuries, and the displacement of residents from their homes during disasters. ## Regional Loss Distribution The South region historically concentrates the highest economic losses, with 75% attributed to agriculture. In the Northeast, agriculture accounts for 62% of losses, while public infrastructure suffers 18%. The Southeast shows a more balanced impact, with 35% of damages occurring in industry and services, highlighting the vulnerability of urban infrastructure. ## Future Risk Outlook The concentration of losses in the Center-West, where 90.6% of damages are linked to agriculture, underscores the systemic risk posed by climate change to Brazil's primary economic engine. As events intensify, the reliance on insurance and public sector intervention will likely increase to manage the growing financial instability caused by climate. ## Sources covering this story - https://redir.folha.com.br/redir/online/emcimadahora/rss091/*https://c-level.folha.uol.com.br/economia-sustentavel/2026/11/prejuizos-com-eventos-climaticos-extremos-sobem-67-no-primeiro-semestre.shtml — --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._