Outlook on climate change adaptation in the Tropical Andes mountains

This synthesis publication has used the following information sources: peer-reviewed journal articles; grey literature sources (e.g. those available fromNGOs and international organizations); government reports including the National Communications submitted by countries to the UNFCCC); and extensive expert

Castries

The Tropical Andes region

Barranquilla

Maracaibo

Caracas

Valencia

input through stakeholder consultations. Socioeconomic background

VENEZUELA

COLOMBIA

Ritacuba Blanco

Medellin

Mt. Roraima

Cero Raya

FRANCE GUIANA

N. del Ruiz

SURINAME

The risk of climate change to society varies both with the magnitude of the expected climate hazards and with the society’s exposure and vulnerability to these hazards. Vulnerability arises both from the sensitivity and susceptibility to harm, and from the limited capacity to cope and adapt. Many social factors such as poverty, gender discrimination and education levels are relevant to determine degrees of vulnerability. People with limited funds, access to government institutions or social safety nets have fewer adaptation options and are more likely to suffer from the impact of climate change. The high Andes, particularly in Ecuador, Peru and Bolivia, have some of the most widespread poverty in South America. Furthermore, poverty-related problems in the mountains are often exacerbated by remoteness from markets and services. The effects of climate change could therefore exacerbate existing social inequality and suffering, including gender, ethnic and economic inequalities, all of which are significant in the Tropical Andes region. Despite significant economic growth and other improvements achieved in the region during the late 1990s and the first decade of 2000, these countries face other common issues, including poverty, poor literacy and health care. Weak governing institutions and high levels of corruption also limit sustainable development and adaptive capacity in the region. Furthermore, illegal activities, such as the drug-industry, environmental crime and illegal

Bogota

Cali

Cerro Marahuaca

GUYANA

Volcán Galeras

Quito

Chimborazo

Guayaquil

ECUADOR

PERU

BRAZIL

N. Huascarán

Lima

Nevado Auzangate

Elevation (m.a.s.l.)

500 1 000 2 000 3 000 4 000 5 000

BOLIVIA

Nevado Coropuna

La Paz

El Alto

N. Illimani

N. Sajama

Sucre

Highest peak Country capital

Large city (more than 1 million inhabitants)

Aucanquilcha

Protected area

Tropic of Capricorn

Volcán Llullaillaco

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