Fig. 7: From local scale to long-range cascading effects:a schematic multi-hazard risk assessment framework connecting Central and Southeastern South America.

Drought-heatwave coupling triggered fire risk and large burned areas in the Pantanal during the 2020 dry season. Long-range transport led to smoke-induced air pollution episodes in the São Paulo state, also influenced by local meteorological conditions and emission sources. Synergism and co-exposure to high levels of PM2.5 and extreme heat have resulted in a large burden of premature deaths. Map created using the Free and Open Source QGIS.