Introduction

The phenomenon of climate change – its global causes and origins, and the magnitude of its environmental, economic and social effects – constitutes one of the highest-priority issues on the public and private agendas of both the developed and developing countries.

Available scientific evidence shows that climate change manifests itself primarily in a gradual but continuous increase in temperature, changes in precipitation patterns, a rise in sea levels, a reduction of the cryosphere, and shifts in the patterns of extreme events. This phenomenon is the result of a variety of anthropogenic activities, associated primarily with the burning of fossil fuels, changes in land use and, in particular, deforestation and the generation of solid waste.

For the countries of Latin America and the Caribbean, the effects of climate change projected for the present century will be significant – this despite the fact that the region’s emissions of greenhouse gases represent only a small proportion of total global emissions.

The Vital Graphics series provides a clear, direct, visual presentation of issues relevant to the global environment, based on a scientific analysis of currently available information. Vital Climate Change Graphics for Latin America and the Caribbean outlines for decision makers, academics and the general public the status of the climate change phenomenon in the region, focusing on its effects and its causes. The document describes the ways in which climate change manifests itself, drawing on historical analysis of variables such as temperature, precipitation and sea levels. In addition, it details the effects of climate change on ecosystem services, human health and the region’s vulnerability to extreme events. Lastly, it provides an analysis of global and regional greenhouse gas emissions and identifies possible options in the region for mitigating the impact of climate change.

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