Coastal Adaptation in South America and Case Studies in Venezuela and Uruguay

According to a study, the South American region is particularly vulnerable to climate change and El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO) events, which threaten its economic and sustainable development.

The region is prioritising climate adaptation mainly because 6 per cent of its population lives on low-lying coasts and is exposed to sea-level rise and ENSO events.

The study reviewed South America’s recent and present coastal adaptation practices, focusing on socioeconomic vulnerabilities, links between adaptation and sustainable development, and adaptation constraints.

The two case studies of coastal adaptation in Venezuela and Uruguay show that non-structural adaptations, such as community-based ones, can improve residents’ perception of risk and thus overcome the sense of urgency to climate threats.

The study finds weak links between public policies and climate adaptation. Although many Latin American countries have formulated climate change adaptation policies, the study says the problem lies in poor implementation and compliance with these policies.

The reason for the poor implementation of climate actions stems from the government’s view of climate change as an environmental problem rather than a development one.

According to the study, there is insufficient support for coastal adaptation despite observations of the growing risk of sea-level rise and threats from El Niño events in the short to medium term.

The study recommends that a critical regional strategy prioritise adaptation to current climate threats, that is, El Niño events and Sea-level rise, that should go with mitigation, sustainable and efficient use of natural resources.

To read the entire study, click on the link below: