This report discusses the socio-economic implications of climate change in rural and urban zones of Latin America and gives insights on how to design a socially just and sustainable transition.
The transition must combine three dimensions of equity:
Distributional equity: Fair distribution of the benefits and costs of the climate transition.
Procedural equity: Equal opportunities to participate in decision-making processes.
Recognition equity: Acknowledge and promote local agency of affected and vulnerable populations.
Some specific actions towards a socially balanced climate transition in Latin America are:
Social dialogue: Promote dialogue between different stakeholders to design policies.
Investment in rural communities: Invest in strengthening the resilience of rural communities.
Promote inclusive green jobs: Prioritize job creation, skills training, and decent working conditions.
Support vulnerable groups: Develop targeted policies for women, indigenous communities, and the informal economy.
Improve urban planning: Invest in sustainable transport and housing, and increase access to green space.
Improve resilience to extreme weather events: Invest in early warning systems and infrastructure.
Increase access to climate finance: Facilitate access to international climate finance for local projects.
Finally, it is important to recognize that the climate transition is not only about reducing emissions, but also about creating a more just and equitable society. By making the right choices, Latin America can build a sustainable and prosperous future for its citizens while protecting the environment.
