Amid the drought that recently struck agricultural campaigns, a phenomenon largely attributed to global warming, Argentina suffered an economic impact of approximately 20 billion dollars.
Natural Disasters and Climate Adaptation: Challenges in Latin America
A recent report from the World Bank highlights this economic impact in Argentina as a small example of how climate change affects Latin America. This region has been the epicenter of one-third of the world’s natural disasters, with a death toll reaching 150,000 people annually.
Experts from the United Nations Health Agency, at a conference at the Barcelona Convention Center, emphasized the importance of this issue. Preparations for the upcoming Climate Change Summit in Copenhagen are expected to be finalized at this venue.
A Global Perspective
There, a global consensus is expected to be reached to reduce pollution and thereby combat the planet’s extreme reactions to constant human aggression.
Caritas, a Catholic organization, urges developed nations to ensure that funds aimed at combating the effects of climate change are not diverted from other urgent issues such as poverty.
Natural Disasters: A Universal Reality
While regions like Asia experience tsunamis and extreme droughts with subsequent famines, Latin America is not far behind. The region suffers 30% of these devastating phenomena. Events such as floods or droughts are intensified due to the El Niño phenomenon, particularly affecting countries like Argentina and Chile.
According to data from the United Nations Refugee Agency, the number of natural disasters and affected individuals has doubled in the last two decades. It is projected that in the next five decades, 250 million people could be displaced by climate changes. Additionally, the previous year recorded more than 300,000 deaths worldwide due to natural disasters, primarily affecting the most vulnerable.
Economy and Climate Change
A World Bank report suggests that investing one dollar in works to prevent natural disasters can save up to seven dollars in subsequent costs. However, the lack of political will often hinders such investments.
On the other hand, Caritas and the United Nations urge developed nations not to divert funds intended for development assistance to projects related to carbon emission reduction.
An essential aspect of the discussions in Barcelona is determining how much funding developed nations will offer to support the rest of the world in adapting to inevitable climate changes and reducing carbon emissions.
Although an agreement has not been reached, there are proposals, such as the annual contribution of between 15 and 22 billion euros that the European Union could offer.
