Heat in Guatemala is aggravated by effects of climate change, they warn experts

During the last year, Guatemala has experienced a considerable increase in temperature, according to information contained in the report Climate changerecently presented by the World Meteorological Attribution (WWA, in English).

In this study it is detailed that, From May 1, 2024 to May 1, 2025, Guatemala registered a total of 122 days with high temperatures, of which 95 are attributed to climate change that affects globally.

According to experts consulted, the increase in temperature in the country in recent years is due to the effects of climate change, which affects the different ecosystems and habitats of different species of the country, putting at risk not only their life, but also that of humans.

Dr. José Moreira, a biologist who is part of the Society for Wildlife Conservation (WCS), an international organization that is also dedicated to the conservation of natural ecosystems, states that the increase in temperature is not only a national phenomenon, but global. This has caused an increase in drought in different parts of the country, which causes a direct impact on crops, essential for human life and subsistence, causing a decrease in crops, as a consequence of climate change.

Paris Rivera, expert of the Meteorology Unit of the Mariano Gálvez University, explains that the increase in heat in the country is an evidently meteorological effect, influenced by climate change.

According to studies carried out by the unit, the phenomenon that influences the increase in heat in the country can be described as a heat dome, located between the average and high levels of the earth’s atmosphere. This situation prevents fresh air free flow, causing heat retention and, with it, the increase in temperatures.

Danger for flora, fauna and human life

Data provided by the National Council of Protected Areas (CONAP) warn that the increase in temperature throughout the national territory puts at risk not only the inhabitants, but also to existing flora and fauna in various regions. The increase in temperatures causes droughts and deteriorates aquifers, such as rivers and lakes, vital for the conservation of the life of different species, since, when these sources of water disappear, the species are forced to migrate, with the risk of extinguishing.

Likewise, plants, trees and vegetation are harmed by drought, since the prolongation of hot seasons decreases rains, essential for the survival of jungles and forests.

Not only land species are at risk, but also marine life. In the Pacific Ocean, problems with migratory routes of species such as sea turtles are presented. “The warming of the oceans alters the life cycles of species that depend on these food chains, threatening their survival by reducing access to food,” says Moreira.

The expert indicates that the reproductive cycle of these reptiles is affected, since the excess heat on the beaches, during the incubation of the eggs, causes an increase in the birth of females. On the other hand, more moderate temperatures allow a balance in the birth of males and females, vital for the conservation of the species. “The Pacific beaches are crucial for the reproduction of at least four species of sea turtles,” he says.

2023 was confirmed as the warmest in recent history, according to data from the European Copernicus Climate Observatory, which indicate an increase of 1.48 ° C at the average global temperature.

However, these parameters have varied, with increases between 0.1 and 0.2 ° C, which has intensified the perception of heat between the population.

These patterns are also affected by phenomena such as the child, which causes heavy rains in some regions, while others experience droughts and high temperatures, says Paris Rivera.

What can we do?

According to Moreira, to conserve our natural resources, as well as flora and fauna, both of terrestrial and marine species, and mitigate the effects of climate change, it is necessary to redouble intersectoral efforts through alliances aimed at the conservation, restoration and sustainable management of natural resources, which also depends human life.

“We have different sectors, from private companies, agribusiness, government institutions, Oenegés, that we work in order to restore these ecosystems, and always collaborating with communities that have these areas available, and that we know that they are important to maintain the balance and the part of species conservation. We talk about this part that is restoration, and also at the time at the political level. National Biological Biodiversity Strategy, which I will say here, was the National Council of Protected Areas, which is very important, “he explained.

“We must keep them for current and future generations,” added the expert of the Society for Wildlife Conservation.

Heat decreased in the last year

Regarding the increase in heat in the national territory, the National Institute of Seismology, Volcanology, Meteorology and Hydrology (Insivumeh) indicates that, during this year, temperatures have decreased compared to those of the previous year.

César George, a meteorologist of the institution, states that during this year the highest temperatures recorded until May, mainly in the Petén area, the Northern Transversal Strip and the dry corridor, have reached 42 degrees Celsius. While, in 2024, during the same period, the highest temperatures reached 44.8 degrees, so they rule out that this year they can exceed this range, since in the mid -week the entry of several low pressure systems that will cause rains in most of the national territory, which will contribute to the decrease in temperatures is expected.