COP 21: Latin America faces uncertain road ahead following Paris climate agreement.

AutorMarris, Johanna

The world watched as nations made history in December at the UN climate change conference (COP 21) in Paris, reaching an agreement to limit global warming to less than 2 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels, and ideally below 1.5 degrees. Twenty years in the making, the agreement is the first to include commitments by developing as well as industrialized nations to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and officially marks the beginning of the transition from fossil fuel-based economies toward renewable sources.

The agreement is supported by Intended Nationally Determined Contributions (INDCs) submitted by 187 countries. The INDCs outline each nation's individual goals to make economy-wide emission reductions, increase renewable energy use and limit deforestation. The agreement has been applauded the world over. However, many nongovernmental actors have pointed to the fact that it will remain purely a symbol of good intentions until the participating nations take the unprecedented measures required to make it a reality.

Regional recognition

Latin America emerged as a key regional player at the conference. Despite historically being less active on climate change issues and contributing only around 10% of global carbon emissions, the importance of its voice on climate change has grown in recent years due to its own experiences: The region is disproportionately suffering the effects of extreme conditions such as hurricanes, drought, flooding, and glacial melt (NotiCen, Jan. 7, 2016). A survey carried out by the Pew Research Center earlier in 2015 showed that concern about climate change is higher in Latin America than in any other world region.

In addition, there is increasing recognition of Latin America's huge potential for renewable energy development. A Climatescope 2015 report ranked Brazil, Chile, Mexico, and Uruguay among the 10 most attractive emerging economies for renewable energy investment. The region is also home to some of the world's most significant oil and gas producers.

Almost all countries in the region have submitted INDCs outlining medium-term goals for climate change mitigation and adaptation, with the late addition of Venezuela and the exceptions of Nicaragua and Panama. Costa Rica and Uruguay in particular have received praise, as they both approach 100% renewable-based economies, and Mexico was among the first countries in the world to submit its ambitious reduction targets (SourceMex, Jan. 6, 2016). At the end of the...

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