Climate change in Latin America: Impacts and mitigation policy options

Climate change is likely to become a major social and economic challenge over the next century. Estimates of damage from climate change, though varying widely across studies, range up to 20% of global GDP, with the mode at around 1% to 2% of GDP. There is also the possibility of tipping points—leading to uncontrollable climate change—such as a sudden release of greenhouse gases (GHG) stored in permafrost, for example, or the collapse of Antarctic ice sheet. Beyond the aggregate effects, the impacts of climate change and policies to mitigate GHG emissions will vary widely across and within countries. Yet, most studies have not included much regional detail, and virtually all have focused on the distributional impacts across rather than within countries.

Sustainable Development Goals:

Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure

Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions