the demands of a growing population; fuelled by economic factors within or outside of LAC; or facilitated by the absence of effective governance structures, it is generally accepted that patterns of production and consumption within the region are currently unsustainable. These trends need to be addressed with urgency if LAC is to secure the well-being of its growing population.


In the context of the persistent challenges presented by the environment-development nexus, the Sustainable Development Goals, adopted by world leaders in September 2015, are considered an important opportunity by the governments of LAC as they go forward. The SDGs and the associated 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development landscape have a unique, interconnected nature which offers a more robust framework for the region’s governments to identify key policy entry points and responses that will allow very specific actions with associated synergies, and consequently offer multiple benefits for environment and society. In this regard, there are a few important issues that Governments and other stakeholders in LAC may wish to consider.


Firstly, Governments will likely need to find innovative solutions to allow for the decoupling of economic growth and resource consumption. This will be critical for attending to many of the persistent anthropogenic activities that are driving environmental change. Current patterns of development, including production and consumption are, in many cases, unsustainable; and with future anticipated increases in population size, it will be necessary to ensure that needs can be met with minimal damage to the natural environment. Reducing dependence on fossil fuels, and diversifying energy sources, will also be important for countries of the region. One such area where this type of thinking would be critical is in the context of urbanization: cities provide the opportunity to improve access to health and education services, cultural facilities, and transportation. Investment in urban planning, such as through the better use of environmentally sound infrastructure and clean transport, can turn the urban challenge into opportunities for sustainable development in LAC.


The scenarios indicate that focusing on measures that ensure greater protection of the natural environment will not compromise economies or human well-being in adverse ways. Though some trade-offs may be necessary, issues such as poverty and health may be better managed where emphasis is placed on effectively managing environmental assets. Many governments of the region have engaged in some aspect of ‘green economics’ or green growth’ and there are emerging strategies amongst countries to ensure a coordinated approach. Efforts such as these should be promoted and supported.


Governments of the region also likely need to invest in ecosystem-based resilience in order to reduce vulnerability and increase adaptation. Better investments in ecological infrastructure and implementation of measures to reduce pollution and other environmental pressures will help to safeguard some of the region’s precious ecosystems and their services. This is especially important in the context of adapting to a changing climate, which is anticipated to have widespread and adverse impacts in the region.


The use of a range of policy support tools, mechanisms and approaches should help to boost regional success in addressing environmental changes and meeting the SDGs. Some of these include education and communication; the development of strategic partnerships especially within the region, but also beyond; innovation; proper monitoring and evaluation; effective implementation of policies and enforcement of laws; and adequate financing. As a core consideration of the sustainability agenda, governments of the region have also recognised the importance of improving the information base upon which environmental decisions are made. Greater investments into research, and building the necessary capacity for collecting and applying data to strengthen the science-policy interface, must therefore be a priority for the region.


7


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