Climate Change Impacts

Regional Climate Projections

In the 21st century, El Salvador and more broadly the entire Latin American region is likely to go through a number of climate changes. During this current century, all of Central and South America is likely to warm.  The precipitation in Central America is likely to decrease and the region’s relatively dry springs will become even drier.  Tropical cyclones may have a greater impact on the region, for there may be a change in the path and intensity of hurricanes.  This change in hurricane path/intensity will have the ability to cause damage in a number of different regions and will have an effect on weather in Central America.  

Impacts, Adaptions, and Vulnerabilities for El Salvador and the region of Central America

Central America is at a high risk for forest loss and for less runoff.  Central America and the country of El Salvador are likely to have increased vulnerability to extreme events.  According to the IPPC's 2007 Climate Change report, “almost 13.9% of the Latin American population (71.5 million people) has no access to a safe water supply” (13.4.3).  To worsen the situation, water availability and hydroelectric generation will be reduced because of a steady decline in the amount of glaciers.  Current vulnerabilities will increase because of growing demand of water due to the ever-growing populations of Latin American countries.  “By the end of the 21st century, the projected mean warming for Latin America ranges from 1 to 4°C or from 2 to 6°C [. . .] and the frequency of weather and climate extremes is very likely to increase” (13.7).

Climate Change: Depletion of Water Resources in Latin America

In Central America, there has been a declining trend in rainfall amounts within the last decade.  Also, the region has experienced a 1 C temperature increase that has in turn led to the acceleration of glacier retreat (Executive Summary).  “By the 2020s, the net increase in the number of people experiencing water stress due to climate change is likely to be between 7 and 77 million (medium confidence).”  Although some countries have tried to adapt to climate change through the conservation of ecosystems, early warning systems and risk management for both agriculture and drought (to name a few), a lack of basic information and proper political/technological systems has set the Latin American region back.

Water Scarcity: The Biggest Threat to Latin America 

The most interesting threat to El Salvador is related to its diminishing water supply.  The Central American region, and Latin America in general currently has a very limited access to a clean water supply.  With increasing populations and changing weather conditions, those living in Central America will be without the necessary water that is needed to survive.  I chose the water dilemma as most interesting because the threat is both real and significant and it has the ability to affect tens of millions of people.  I care about the health and safety of human beings and because of that, I show a great interest in the topic of water scarcity.  The Latin American region needs to be properly educated about the impact that climate change will have on the continent.  It needs leaders that are capable of implementing effective strategies on how to cope with the ever-decreasing drinkable water supply. 

Illustrating the Impact Climate Change has had on Latin America and the rest of the World

(IPPC, 13.7, Figure 13.5)

Temperatures in the Norther Hemisphere have increased exponentially over the last century

(http://gwglaciers.tripod.com/sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderpictures/meltingglacier1.jpg)
Global warming has caused glaciers to melt at an astounded rate.