2. Effects of climate change

Dealing with the causes and consequences of climate change will be one of the main challenges facing humanity in the present

century. The effects of climate change in the region are already significant (albeit with differences from one country

Expected impacts of climate change in 2050

Increased vulnerability to extreme events

Biodiversity threatened

Coral reefs and mangro- ves threatened

Risk of desertification Malaria

Current affected zones Possible extension in 2050

Rainfall

Increase Decrease

Coasts threatened by sea level rise Cities threatened by sea level rise

Reduced water availability Negative effects on fisheries Negative effects on agriculture Glacier shrinkage

Increased risk of forest fires

Increased aridity and scarcity of water resources

Changes in ecosystems

Negative impacts in mountain regions Ozone depletion

Sources: R. Landa et al., Cambio climático y desarrollo sustentable, 2010; ECLAC, Climate Change. A regional perspective, 2010. Figure 2.1 15 to another),