Climate change is increasingly evident and is having damaging repercussions. Latin America and the Caribbean is no exception, and is in fact one of the most vulnerable regions, with droughts, forest fires and extreme storms increasing in frequency and intensity. This is occurring amid the backdrop of low growth in the region, reflected in a decade of stagnation, that jeopardizes the progress made in terms of development and, above all, limits the countries’ ability to improve the well-being of their populations in a sustainable manner.
At this crossroads, climate action offers an opportunity to boost growth and innovation, create jobs and better integrate countries of the region into the global economy. The investments, plans and policies required to tackle the climate crisis may also help to achieve economic and social goals.
This publication presents some basic data on the signs of climate change and overall economic impacts, emission trends and regional commitments to reduce emissions. It also outlines climate investment needs and estimated amounts by sector, and presents policies and key transformative sectors for climate action.