THE IMPACT OF CLIMATE CHANGE ON LATIN AMERICA AND THE CARIBBEAN AND ITS EFFECT ON THE WATER RESOURCES OF ECUADOR

Abstract

Context: Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) is a region of the world that is highly exposed, vulnerable and severely impacted by climate change. Objective: Assess the impacts of climate change in Latin America and the Caribbean in general and in Ecuador in particular. Identify the myriads of impacts of climate change on the water resources. Also, develop adaptation and resilience recommendations to address the climate change impacts in this region and specifically in Ecuador. Method: A comprehensive examination of current research was conducted, drawing on relevant information from respected and trustworthy sources.   We relied solely on sources that provide pertinent data about the various impacts of climate change across Latin America and the Caribbean, with particular attention to the specific effects in Ecuador.  Also, a search of data on the multifactorial impacts of climate change on water resources was undertaken. Results: Data gathered confirms that LAC is already significantly impacted by climate change and that more severe impacts will occur in the future.  The accelerated melting of glaciers in the Andes represents a serious threat to the water security of various South American countries. In the case of Ecuador, the melting of the glaciers also threatens electricity generation. The transformation of the Amazon forest into a savanna is also threat to water security of various South American countries.  For instance, one third of rainfall in Ecuador is attributed to the Amazon.  Premature deaths attributed to extreme heat episodes have increased dramatically in LAC.  However, this issue has not been addressed with the priority that the seriousness of the situation demands. Conclusions: Since various countries which are the largest emitters of greenhouse gases on the planet will not achieve net cero greenhouse emissions by 2050, the United Nations has predicted that the average temperature of the planet will increase by 2.8° Celsius.  This increase will exceed the limit of 2° Celsius established in the Paris Agreement.  Therefore, the impacts of climate change will be more severe and will occur sooner than predicted by the experts.  The countries in LAC must implement with a sense of urgency, adaptation, and resilience measures, deferring investments on reducing greenhouse gas emissions.  At the international level, LAC countries must convince donors of climate change funds to prioritize adaptation and resilience projects over mitigation projects.  To date, most of the funding has been assigned to mitigation.  At a regional level, LAC countries must join efforts to save the Amazon or at least decrease the amount of forest that will be converted to savanna.  The region can´t have food security and economic development without water security.  The Amazon is a key contributor to water security.