Climate Shocks in Latin America and the Caribbean: Devastation and Urgent Action Needed
Extreme climate shocks, intensified by global warming, have had devastating impacts on Latin America and the Caribbean in 2023, according to the World Meteorological Organization’s annual state of the climate report for the region. Drought, heatwaves, wildfires, and extreme rainfall, along with the strongest-ever landfalling Eastern Pacific hurricane, have caused significant damage to livelihoods, ecosystems, and infrastructure.
Hurricane Otis, which struck Acapulco in October 2023, rapidly intensified into the strongest hurricane to hit Mexico’s Pacific Coast, resulting in over 50 fatalities and billions of dollars in damages. Recent research suggests that global warming contributes to the rapid intensification of hurricanes, such as Otis, Michael in 2018, and Ian in 2022.
The region also experienced widespread drought, leading to record low river flows in the Amazon and disruptions in shipping through the Panama Canal. Heatwaves fueled wildfires across South America, destroying habitats and threatening biodiversity. Additionally, accelerated sea-level rise is eroding beaches in tourist areas like the Yucatán coast and exacerbating water shortages in cities like Mexico City.
The lack of access to weather and climate information in the region has made it challenging to predict and respond to climate-related disasters. Only 6 percent of countries in Latin America and the Caribbean offer full weather services needed for decision-making in climate-sensitive sectors. This underserved region is the world’s second most disaster-prone, with 11 million people affected by climate-related disasters in 2023, resulting in over $20 billion in economic losses.
To address these challenges, the region must prioritize disaster risk reduction, integrate climate resilience into development financing, and strengthen collaboration on regional early warning systems. Engaging with communities to integrate scientific knowledge with local traditional and Indigenous knowledge is crucial for building long-term climate resilience.
The 2023 heat extremes also impacted ocean areas, leading to massive coral bleaching in the Western Caribbean. The unprecedented ocean heatwave caused mass coral mortality, highlighting the urgent need for climate action to protect marine ecosystems.
Overall, the climate shocks experienced in Latin America and the Caribbean in 2023 underscore the importance of proactive measures to mitigate the impacts of global warming and build resilience in the face of escalating climate risks. Collaborative efforts at the regional and international levels are essential to address the complex challenges posed by climate change in the region.