The “State of the Climate in Latin America and the Caribbean 2020” report highlights severe threats from extreme weather and climate change across the region, impacting human health, food, water, and energy security. WMO Secretary-General Professor Petteri Taalas emphasized challenges such as water shortages, agricultural losses, and increased displacement due to climate-related events. The report notes that 2020 was one of the warmest years, exacerbating droughts and forest loss, with nearly 55 million hectares lost between 2000 and 2016. This deforestation worsens climate change, compromising carbon sinks like the Amazon, which risk becoming carbon sources.
In coastal areas, rising sea levels and ocean heat threaten marine life and communities, with over 27% of the population living in at-risk zones. The report calls for enhanced early warning systems and political commitment to manage disaster risks better. Mangroves are highlighted as crucial for carbon storage, yet their area has declined significantly. Conservation of “blue carbon” ecosystems is essential for climate adaptation and mitigation efforts.
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