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Environment

Rare triple-dip La Niña is mostly to blame for South America's drought

Historically dry and hot weather in Argentina and neighbouring countries is being driven by the La Niña weather system and exacerbated by climate change

By Luke Taylor

22 February 2023

Dry ground in a former lagoon

Aculeo lagoon in Chile has completely dried up

Matias Basualdo/ZUMA Press Wire/Shutterstock

The record drought that has affected large parts of South America for the past three years is being driven by the La Niña weather system and exacerbated by climate change, an international group of climate scientists has determined.

Historically dry and hot weather in areas of Argentina, Chile, Brazil, Paraguay and Uruguay has forced countries to ration water and has devastated harvests, contributing to rising food prices globally.

Chile has seen giant reservoirs turn to desert and is experiencing the deadliest wildfires …

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