Throughout this work, I learned several key lessons. One of the most significant was understanding the interplay of variables. Deforestation consistently reduced precipitation and evapotranspiration while increasing land surface temperatures, creating cascading effects on local and regional hydrological and climate systems. However, I also discovered the importance of regional nuances. For instance, while the Cerrado experienced reduced precipitation during both wet and dry seasons, the Atlantic Forest showed increased precipitation in areas of reforestation. These variations highlight the need to consider local conditions when assessing land-use impacts.

In the Pantanal, I explored the recent reductions in wetland extent and found that, while changes in land use have increased water availability, the primary drivers of the drying trend are climate variability—specifically reduced precipitation and rising temperatures. These findings highlighted the dominant role of climate in shaping hydrological systems, even in regions where land-use changes are significant.

My research also revealed the scale of deforestation and its implications for surface-atmosphere interactions. Mapping deforestation trends showed that 72% of deforestation involved primary vegetation, with significant impacts on evapotranspiration, precipitation, and land surface temperature. These findings emphasized the urgency of sustainable land management to mitigate the negative consequences of these changes on ecosystems and climate.

Reflecting on my Ph.D. experience, I’ve come to appreciate the depth of insight that interdisciplinary research brings. Studying water resources requires embracing complexity and venturing into diverse fields to address different problems. By integrating perspectives from hydrology, climatology, and ecology, I gained an understanding of how land-use changes influence biophysical processes. This journey also taught me the value of collaboration, as working with experts across disciplines enriched my research and helped me deal with challenges more effectively.

My Ph.D. in Water Resources reinforced the interconnections of Brazil’s landscapes, climate, and water systems. From the Amazon’s dry season precipitation shifts to the Pantanal’s shrinking wetland extent, my research revealed how land-use changes reverberate through hydrological and climatic systems. These findings highlight the need for sustainable management strategies and a deeper understanding of the intricate relationships between people, land, and climate. Interdisciplinary research may be challenging, but its ability to provide meaningful solutions to complex problems makes it immensely rewarding.