4. Solutions for environmental sustainability from the region
- An unsustainable development model
- A global pact for sustainability
- Reducing emissions caused by human activity
- Protection of ecosystems and biodiversity
- Adaptation to climate change and ecosystem degradation
- The nexus between digital and green transitions
- The macroeconomics of the green transition
- References chapter 4
Key messages
- The current model of production and consumption is unsustainable.
- LAC is already facing significant negative impacts of climate change, making adaptation policies a priority.
- The characteristics of the region point to the need of prioritizing adaptation in the areas of agriculture, infrastructure and cities, and targeting interventions for vulnerable populations.
- The region’s economies have agreed to ambitious emission reduction, although global commitments are still incompatible with the goal of not exceeding a 2 °C temperature increase compared to the pre-industrial era.
- In Latin America, the emissions profile differs significantly from that of the rest of the world, with the soil and agricultural sectors being the most important.
- Mitigation priorities in the soil and agricultural sector are to halt land use change in ecosystems with high carbon potential and improve agricultural practices for productivity and soil carbon management.
- Energy and industrial mitigation present opportunities for the region’s economies with green electricity generation potential and critical mineral reserves for the transition.
- Pollution and environmental degradation negatively affect welfare and production.
- Ecosystem protection requires increasing the coverage of protected areas, prioritizing neglected ecosystems and improving monitoring and sanctioning capabilities.
- The environmental and energy transition involves high costs in a region with limited fiscal space.