A UN report by the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) reveals that climate-related events resulted in 312,000 deaths and affected over 277 million people in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC). The report, “State of the Climate in Latin America and the Caribbean 2020,” emphasizes threats from extreme weather, rising temperatures, changing rainfall, and forest loss. WMO Secretary-General Petteri Taalas highlights issues such as agricultural losses and displacement, further exacerbated by COVID-19.
The report warns that forest destruction is a significant contributor to climate change, noting a loss of nearly 55 million hectares from 2000 to 2016. The Amazon, while still a carbon sink, risks becoming a net carbon source if deforestation continues. Rising sea temperatures threaten marine ecosystems, impacting over 27% of the LAC population living in coastal areas.
The report advocates for enhanced early warning systems and the conservation of “blue carbon” ecosystems, such as mangroves, which can significantly mitigate climate effects. It underscores the need for strong political commitment and financial support to aid adaptation efforts in the region.
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