The World Meteorological Organization (WMO), an intergovernmental organization with 192 member states, has recently issued a report spotlighting the devastating effects of climate change and extreme weather events in Latin America and the Caribbean. The year 2020 emerged as a period marked by unparalleled heatwaves, droughts, forest fires, cyclones, and bouts of food insecurity for the region, based on the WMO’s findings.
About the World Meteorological Organization
The WMO originated from the International Meteorological Organization, which was established following the Vienna International Meteorological Congress in 1873. The organization came to be recognized officially through the ratification of the WMO Convention on 23rd March 1950. It now functions as the United Nations’ specialized agency for meteorology, operational hydrology, and related geophysical sciences, boasting its headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland.
Key Findings of the WMO Report
The highlight of the report is the unprecedented rise in temperature in the region. 2020 was among the three warmest years that Central America and the Caribbean have ever experienced, and it was the second warmest for South America. The sea surface temperature in the Tropical North Atlantic Ocean showed significant heat throughout the year. Frequent severe heat waves pushed temperatures above 40°C on several consecutive days.
Aside from temperature anomalies, intense rainfall resulted in devastating landslides, floods, and flash floods in both rural and urban areas of Central and South America towards the end of 2020. Deforestation due to clearing for cattle pasturing and degradation from fires has escalated in the last four years. Notably, deforestation in the Amazon River Basin, which spans across nine South American countries and holds 10% of global carbon, has led to a decline in its climate regulation ability. The region also saw the highest-ever recorded number of cyclones in 2020, with 30 occurrences.
Impacts and Recommendations
These extreme weather events adversely affected more than 8 million individuals across Central America. This aggravated food insecurity in countries already grappling with economic downturns, COVID-19 restrictions, and conflicts. The WMO report suggests that hazard-specific monitoring systems, such as the FAO’s Agricultural Stress Index System (ASIS), could enable governments to issue early warning alerts for specific sectors like agriculture.
The State of Early Warning Systems (EWS)
The current state of Early Warning Systems in the region, particularly in South America, is underdeveloped. Alongside these systems, contingency plans need to be developed. Moreover, planting of mangroves can aid in sequestering three to four times more carbon than most forests. However, mangrove plantation decreased by 20% between 2001 and 2018. To bolster Early Warning Systems and operational weather, climate, and hydrological services, stronger political commitment and increased financial support are necessary.
About the Latin America and Caribbean Region
Latin America typically encompasses the whole continent of South America, Mexico, Central America, and Caribbean islands, totaling 33 countries. The region hosts several geographical features such as the Amazon River, Caribbean Sea, Gulf of Mexico, Panama Canal, Andes Mountains, the Sierra Madre Mountains, and Atacama Desert.
Regional Economic Blocs
Latin America and the Caribbean have a number of economic blocs including MERCOSUR, CARICOM, CAN, and SICA, each comprising different groups of countries.
