“A better, well-managed environment is possible, but it requires the control by people-centred progressive governments and the rejection of ‘Get rich quick’ governments of the right.”
By Manuel Bueno
Why is Latin America important in the fight to control climate change?
Science has now shown that the most important factor in keeping the earth’s climate stable is the existence of wildlife areas. Latin America has 16% of the worlds land area but 40% of all species, 16% of all forests, 40%of fresh water and the 2nd largest reef. It therefore contains a very important wildlife area crucial for the world’s climate.
The Amazon region with its forests and rivers are most important but also other areas like the Plantanal, the Chaco dry forest, the Argentinian Pampas, the Patagonian region with its large area of sun reflecting ice and several others.
Those areas with their wildlife are also important to millions of people living there. The other great wildlife area is the surrounding sea: Pacific, Atlantic, Caribbean and Southern Oceans. These huge oceanic areas also have important fisheries and climate impact. But, important as Latin America is to control the world’s climate, it is also vulnerable to climate change.
Already this year we have seen a late arrival of the rains in the Amazon region.
People living in the high plateau of Bolivia and Peru, the Altiplano, have always depended on the water from the melting of the glaziers on the surrounding mountains. Indeed, the Inca civilisation and the Tiahuanaco before developed in that area and in that ecology. The waters from the Andes glaziers also flow east to the Amazon region.
Fortunately climate breakdown and environmental degradation are not inevitable. For example regenerative, ranching which keep many of the trees and bushes in areas of cattle ranching has been shown to restore the land and enhance production. Fisheries with protected areas, monitored to manage resources have been successful in protecting fisheries and fishing communities.
In Peru revitalising a network of ancient traditional water channels, now provides 65% of the capital Lima’s water.
A better, well-managed environment is possible, but it requires the control by people-centred progressive governments and the rejection of ‘Get rich quick’ governments of the right. Much progress in this respect has been made, but Argentina shows with the recent election of Millei, that it cannot be taken for granted.
- Manuel Bueno is a Bolivian Trade Unionist.
- If you support Labour Outlook’s work amplifying the voices of left movements and struggles here and internationally, please consider becoming a supporter on Patreon.
