One of Brazil’s most daunting environmental challenges is the deforestation of the Amazon. Some scientists say this is responsible for the severe drought affecting São Paulo because the Amazon’s trees play an important role in releasing water as vapor clouds, known as “flying rivers.” Antonio Ribeiro de Almeida from the University of São Paulo–Piracicaba will present “Brazil Today: Communicating About the Social-Environmental Frontier” at Northern Michigan University.

He will discuss governmental and nongovernmental efforts to pitch environmental challenges and solutions to the country’s citizens. The talk is scheduled at 7 p.m. Monday, Oct. 10, in Mead Auditorium in the West Science Building. It is free and open to the public.