Sao Paulo, Brazil - Recent

Brazil, one of the world's richest countries in fresh water, is enduring its worst drought in 70 years which impacts everyday life in many ways as food and energy costs are spiking.

Billed itself as the largest produce market in Latin America, Sao Paulo Public Wholesale and Food Distribution Center (CEAGESP) has felt the economic impacts of the record-breaking drought after it lowered supply of many traded items in the market. Citrus fruits -- such as oranges, lemons and mandarins -- are among the hardest hit so far.

Prices will inevitably rise as a result of lower supply.

An analysis conducted by Bradesco Bank projects that the drought and recent wildfires will push food inflation in Brazil above 6 percent by the end of this year.

Higher food prices are set to squeeze household budgets, leaving many local residents under pressure.

Not just food prices, the drought in Brazil has also driven energy costs higher, because the country generates more than half of its electricity from hydroelectric power, which is now under strain due to low water levels.

However, global warming will worsen the current situation by making the adverse impacts of irregular weather patterns last longer. To solve this problem, people need to stay well-prepared.

Shotlist:
Sao Paulo, Brazil - Recent:
1. Various of people moving watermelon from truck;
2. Various of people transferring vegetable;
3. People holding box with citrus fruits;
4. SOUNDBITE (Portuguese) Nei Brito, Sales Manager, Markbem Citrus (starting with shot 3):
"This year, compared to the 20 years I've worked here, is the hardest. There's less fruit to work with, and consequently, prices will continue to rise. If it doesn't rain, soon we won't have anything left to work with." ;
5. Various of people picking vegetable, fruits ;
6. Seller putting cash into box;
7. SOUNDBITE (Portuguese) Joao Gabriel, economist, Sao Paulo Public Wholesale and Food Distribution Center (CEAGESP):
"The increase in temperatures and lack of rain is harmful. This causes the products to lose market quality, and it also reduces supply." ;
8. Various of Pedro Volpato picking fruits;
9. SOUNDBITE (Portuguese) Pedro Volpato, voice actor (starting with shot 8):
"Food prices, even a slight increase, can make a big difference for people with lower purchasing power.";
10. Various of hydro power station;
11. SOUNDBITE (Portuguese) Josilmar Cordenonssi, professor, Mackenzie University:
"The main problem, I see, in the medium to long term, is that this scenario of more severe droughts and irregular weather patterns is here to stay. With global warming, the trend is for it to worsen. So, for the future, we need to be more concerned and better prepared for this kind of situation.";
12. Fields;
13. Various of waterfall, rainbow, forests.

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