Disaster risk in Brazil: trends, challenges and policy insights

The study analyzes the evolution of disaster risk reduction (DRR) policies in Brazil and examines how these developments are reflected in disaster outcomes, situated within the broader global priority of understanding disaster risk policies and their consequences, as climate change continues to exacerbate disaster risks worldwide. The research combines a review of national DRR legislation with the analysis of disaster data occurred from 1991 to 2024, using indicators aligned with the Sendai Framework targets. In terms of methodology, the study integrates both policy and empirical dimensions to assess the progression of institutional and legal mechanisms for DRR, tracing a gradual shift from reactive to more preventive approaches in Brazil's national strategy.

The findings demonstrate that despite significant progress in establishing institutional and legal frameworks for disaster risk reduction, disaster-related indicators have continued to increase over time, with strong regional disparities persisting across the country. Hydrometeorological hazards account for the majority of events, while a small proportion of high-magnitude disasters is responsible for a large share of fatalities. The results further highlight important limitations in early warning systems, local institutional capacity, and data consistency, collectively offering critical insights for improving national strategies and advancing progress toward international DRR commitments.