Drought and Wildfires Turn Sao Paulo’s River Green and Skies Grey

Sao Paulo, Brazil’s largest metropolis, is facing a striking transformation of its landscape due to severe environmental conditions.

In recent days, the Pinheiros River has turned an unexpected emerald green, while smoke from wildfires has cast a grey pall over the city’s skies. These changes are the result of a combination of drought and pollution caused by widespread fires in Brazil’s forests.

The state’s environmental agency has attributed the Pinheiros River’s green hue to an algae bloom, caused by the severe drought that has lowered water levels. This phenomenon, which became noticeable earlier this week, has coincided with poor air quality across the city. A hot, dry weather system has made it difficult for pollutants, primarily from forest fires, to disperse. As a result, Sao Paulo has suffered from intense air pollution, with skies turning grey and residents experiencing discomfort from the smoke.

Brazil is currently enduring its worst drought in over 70 years, with nearly 60% of the country affected. Major rivers in the Amazon basin have reached historic lows, and wildfires—many of which are man-made—are raging across protected areas, further worsening air quality in cities like Sao Paulo. The smoke from these fires has spread over much of the country, contributing to a significant decline in air quality. On Tuesday, Sao Paulo recorded the second-highest level of air pollution in the world, only behind Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, according to data from air quality monitoring company IQAir.

Residents have expressed frustration with both the smoke and the foul smell emanating from the river. Flavio Xavier Santana, a local systems analyst, noted that the stench near the river worsens at night, particularly when the temperature drops. Actress Ingrid Camboí shared that the poor air quality has affected her daily life, preventing her from engaging in outdoor activities. Many others, including Brazilian pop singer Marina Sena, took to social media to voice their concerns about the smoke and the city’s deteriorating air quality.

In response to the worsening conditions, Sao Paulo’s environmental agency classified the air quality in the region as “very poor,” advising residents to avoid outdoor exercise, stay hydrated, and keep windows closed. The fires and smoke have also affected other parts of Brazil, with schools closing and flights being diverted in areas like Rio Branco, the capital of Acre state.

Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva has acknowledged the severity of the situation, particularly in the Amazon, which is suffering its worst drought in more than 40 years. Visiting communities affected by the drought, Lula expressed concern over the widespread wildfires and their long-term consequences.

“It seems to me that things are getting worse, year after year after year,” Lula said.

He also called for urgent action to prevent further environmental damage.

Experts warn that Brazil is facing an unprecedented combination of drought and fire, affecting regions across the country. Environmental campaigners have raised alarms about the fires, particularly in Indigenous territories, where the loss of land and crops could lead to hunger in vulnerable communities. As global warming and climate patterns like El Niño contribute to more extreme weather events, the situation in Brazil is expected to worsen in the coming weeks.

The Associated Press and the Guardian contributed to this report.