Climate change in Nicaragua

Last updated

Climate change in Nicaragua carries significant implications for the Central American country as its geographical and systemic features make it extremely vulnerable. [1] Climate change will cause Nicaragua to become hotter and drier during the 21st century. [2] Along with temperature increase, climate change will bring an increased risk of natural disasters, like hurricanes and floods. [3]

Contents

The impacts on the natural environment in Nicaragua will carry social and economic effects. Nicaragua's agricultural sector, especially smallholder farmers, will face challenges. [4] The production of Nicaragua's largest export, coffee, is one of the agricultural sectors that will be impacted. [4] As with other countries in Central America, the effects of climate change are thought to be a contributing factor to emigration from Nicaragua. [5]

Nicaragua has outlined strategies for climate mitigation and has participated in climate conventions and agreements. [6] Nicaragua's 2022 National Climate Change Policy describes climate policies to achieve adaption. [7] However, Nicaragua faces challenges in implementing climate change related policy. [8]

Impacts on the environment

Natural disasters

Part of Nicaragua's vulnerability to the effects of climate change is a result of its geographical location and geological features. [9] Nicaragua is one of the most at-risk countries for natural disasters, ranking third among other Central American countries for the number of disasters between 1950 and 2016. [10] Nicaragua is more likely to be exposed to extreme climate events, like floods, hurricanes, and droughts, which are projected to increase in frequency as a result of climate change. [3]

Tropical cyclones pose a significant and consistent threat to Nicaragua, as its location increases its exposure to these events. [11] In recent decades, the strength and wetness of tropical cyclones has increased, which scientists attribute to warming temperatures that impact both ocean and air temperature. [12] Hurricanes in Nicaragua have been extremely destructive, notably Hurricane Mitch in 1998 [11] and the Eta and Iota hurricanes of 2020. [12] As hurricanes are predicted to intensify in Nicaragua, measures to minimize risk following natural disasters is recommended by scientists. [11]

Satellite image of drought conditions in Nicaragua, 2015. Nicaragua 2015-04-23 1850Z.jpg
Satellite image of drought conditions in Nicaragua, 2015.

Temperature and precipitation

Given the sensitive geographical position of Nicaragua, it is predicted to be subject to a larger increase in average temperature. [3] It is already determined that since 1950 the average temperature has risen by 1℃. [10] This temperature increase is estimated to triple or quadruple in the next 100 years. [3] Precipitation in the region is expected to decrease as the effects of climate change take hold. [3] This decrease is especially significant for regions in Nicaragua that rely on certain climate conditions, like regions engaged in coffee production. [13]

Impacts on people

Agriculture and the coffee industry

In 2022, 28% of Nicaragua's workforce was employed in agriculture. [14] The agriculture sector was responsible for 15% of the GDP in 2023. [14] Climate change threatens agricultural productivity, and maize, bean, and coffee crops are already being impacted. [13] Nicaragua's GDP is likely to be damaged by climate change effects, with estimates that a 1°C increase in temperature translates to a 1% decrease in productivity growth. [10]

A smallholder coffee farmer uses a cover crop, canavalia, to conserve water in Nicaragua. Alejandro Mendoza cover crop.jpg
A smallholder coffee farmer uses a cover crop, canavalia, to conserve water in Nicaragua.

The coffee industry is extremely important in Nicaragua, contributing significantly both to GDP and employment. [13] Over 50% of agricultural employment is related to coffee production in Nicaragua. [4] Additionally, smallholder coffee farmers are far more common. These farmers are more vulnerable to industry adversity, thus any climate change related agricultural loss will impact their livelihood. [4] The coffee zones of Nicaragua are predicted to experience both precipitation declines and hotter temperatures by 2050. [13] These estimates carry threatening implications for coffee farming. [13] Temperature increases and a lack of precipitation will damage coffee production and quality, as the area that can support coffee production will narrow. [13] This has lead to some farmers experimenting with different varieties to make their crops more resilient. [15]

Displacement

Adverse effects of climate change could result in increased migration from Nicaragua. [16] Globally, it is estimated that up to 216 million people could be displaced by climate change by 2050. [17] In Nicaragua, added stress on agricultural and food systems as a result of increased droughts and rainfall could drive environmental migrants. [16] Populations dependent on income from agriculture may be displaced as climate change harms crops and livestock. [5] Migration motivated by climate is a trend already seen in regions like Mexico during periods of crop failure, and environmental migrants from Nicaragua may become more common as climate change disrupts food and agricultural systems. [16]

Mitigation

Climate justice

Nicaragua's ability to adapt to climate change and the accompanying impacts is hindered by its larger condition of poverty. [10] Nearly a quarter of Nicaraguans lived in poverty in 2023 and Nicaragua is considered a low-income country, among the poorest when compared to other Latin American countries. [18] Poverty creates an added challenge of funding climate change-related projects, such as reinforcing houses and buildings for inevitable climate disasters. [10] The burden of climate change will be disproportionate for Nicaragua, especially considering Nicaragua has contributed only 0.01% of global cumulative CO2 emissions. [19]

National commitments and strategy

Climate change policy development and implementation are challenges for the Nicaraguan government. [20] A lack of funding and a focus on other pressing issues, like political stability, create barriers for the government to prioritizing climate mitigation. [20] While Nicaragua has climate change mitigation targets, it does not have a legal framework to reinforce these commitments. [6]

Nicaragua has created official policy documents like the 2022 National Climate Change Policy, which focuses on addressing climate change through health, water management, conservation, and sustainable resource use. [21] The Ministry of the Environment and Natural Resources (MARENA), established in 1979, is Nicaragua's primary government institution that oversees projects and research to address climate change. [22] Nicaragua has created a goal to reduce its emissions by 8% by 2030, aligning with a global net-zero vision. [6] Their strategy to achieve this goal involves strengthening their renewable energy sector and protecting their forests. [6]

Nicaragua is part of many climate-related agreements, including the Climate-Resilient Sustainable Agriculture Strategy for the SICA Region 2018-2030, which outlines mitigation strategies. [6] Nicaragua ratified the Kyoto Protocol in 1999 [23] and ratified the Paris Agreement in 2017. [24] The country initially did not ratify the agreement, due to its climate envoy Paul Oquist's opposition to the voluntary nature of nationally determined contributions. [23]

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Economic analysis of climate change</span> Using economic tools to investigate climate change

An economic analysis of climate change uses economic tools and models to calculate the magnitude and distribution of damages caused by climate change. It can also give guidance for the best policies for mitigation and adaptation to climate change from an economic perspective. There are many economic models and frameworks. For example, in a cost–benefit analysis, the trade offs between climate change impacts, adaptation, and mitigation are made explicit. For this kind of analysis, integrated assessment models (IAMs) are useful. Those models link main features of society and economy with the biosphere and atmosphere into one modelling framework. The total economic impacts from climate change are difficult to estimate. In general, they increase the more the global surface temperature increases.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Climate change adaptation</span> Process of adjusting to effects of climate change

Climate change adaptation is the process of adjusting to the effects of climate change. These can be both current or expected impacts. Adaptation aims to moderate or avoid harm for people, and is usually done alongside climate change mitigation. It also aims to exploit opportunities. Humans may also intervene to help adjust for natural systems. There are many adaptation strategies or options. For instance, building hospitals that can withstand natural disasters, roads that don't get washed away in the face of rains and floods. They can help manage impacts and risks to people and nature. The four types of adaptation actions are infrastructural, institutional, behavioural and nature-based options. Some examples of these are building seawalls or inland flood defenses, providing new insurance schemes, changing crop planting times or varieties, and installing green roofs or green spaces. Adaptation can be reactive or proactive.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Climate change and poverty</span> Correlation of disproportionate impacts of climate on impoverished people

Climate change and poverty are deeply intertwined because climate change disproportionally affects poor people in low-income communities and developing countries around the world. The impoverished have a higher chance of experiencing the ill-effects of climate change due to the increased exposure and vulnerability. Vulnerability represents the degree to which a system is susceptible to, or unable to cope with, adverse effects of climate change including climate variability and extremes.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Climate change in Bangladesh</span> Emissions, effects and responses of Bangladesh related to climate change

Climate change is a critical issue in Bangladesh. as the country is one of the most vulnerable to the effects of climate change. In the 2020 edition of Germanwatch's Climate Risk Index, it ranked seventh in the list of countries most affected by climate calamities during the period 1999–2018. Bangladesh's vulnerability to the effects of climate change is due to a combination of geographical factors, such as its flat, low-lying, and delta-exposed topography. and socio-economic factors, including its high population density, levels of poverty, and dependence on agriculture. The impacts and potential threats include sea level rise, temperature rise, food crisis, droughts, floods, and cyclones.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Climate change and gender</span>

Climate change affects men and women differently. Climate change and gender is a research topic which aims to understand how men and women access and use resources that are impacted by climate change and how they experience the resulting impacts. It examines how gender roles and cultural norms influence the ability of men and women to respond to climate change, and how women's and men's roles can be better integrated into climate change adaptation and mitigation strategies. It also considers how climate change intersects with other socioeconomic challenges, such as poverty, access to resources, migration, and cultural identity.

Climate resilience is a concept to describe how well people or ecosystems are prepared to bounce back from certain climate hazard events. The formal definition of the term is the "capacity of social, economic and ecosystems to cope with a hazardous event or trend or disturbance". For example, climate resilience can be the ability to recover from climate-related shocks such as floods and droughts. Different actions can increase climate resilience of communities and ecosystems to help them cope. They can help to keep systems working in the face of external forces. For example, building a seawall to protect a coastal community from flooding might help maintain existing ways of life there.

Climate change in Mexico is expected to have widespread impacts: with significant decreases in precipitation and increases in temperatures. This will put pressure on the economy, people and the biodiversity of many parts of the country, which have largely arid or hot climates. Already climate change has impacted agriculture, biodiversity, farmer livelihoods, and migration, as well as water, health, air pollution, traffic disruption from floods, and housing vulnerability to landslides.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Effects of climate change on small island countries</span>

The effects of climate change on small island countries are affecting people in coastal areas through sea level rise, increasing heavy rain events, tropical cyclones and storm surges. These effects of climate change threaten the existence of many island countries, their peoples and cultures. They also alter ecosystems and natural environments in those countries. Small island developing states (SIDS) are a heterogenous group of countries but many of them are particularly at risk to climate change. Those countries have been quite vocal in calling attention to the challenges they face from climate change. For example, the Maldives and nations of the Caribbean and Pacific Islands are already experiencing considerable impacts of climate change. It is critical for them to implement climate change adaptation measures fast.

Climate change disproportionately impacts indigenous peoples around the world when compared to non-indigenous peoples. These impacts are particularly felt in relation to health, environments, and communities. Some Indigenous scholars of climate change argue that these disproportionately felt impacts are linked to ongoing forms of colonialism. Indigenous peoples found throughout the world have strategies and traditional knowledge to adapt to climate change, through their understanding and preservation of their environment. These knowledge systems can be beneficial for their own community's adaptation to climate change as expressions of self-determination as well as to non-Indigenous communities.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Climate change in Puerto Rico</span> Climate change in the US territory of Puerto Rico

Climate change has had large impacts on the ecosystems and landscapes of the US territory Puerto Rico. According to a 2019 report by Germanwatch, Puerto Rico is the most affected by climate change. The territory's energy consumption is mainly derived from imported fossil fuels.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Climate change in the Caribbean</span> Emissions, impacts and responses of the Caribbean region related to climate change

Climate changein the Caribbean poses major risks to the islands in the Caribbean. The main environmental changes expected to affect the Caribbean are a rise in sea level, stronger hurricanes, longer dry seasons and shorter wet seasons. As a result, climate change is expected to lead to changes in the economy, environment and population of the Caribbean. Temperature rise of 2°C above preindustrial levels can increase the likelihood of extreme hurricane rainfall by four to five times in the Bahamas and three times in Cuba and the Dominican Republic. A rise in sea level could impact coastal communities of the Caribbean if they are less than 3 metres (10 ft) above the sea. In Latin America and the Caribbean, it is expected that 29–32 million people may be affected by the sea level rise because they live below this threshold. The Bahamas is expected to be the most affected because at least 80% of the total land is below 10 meters elevation.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Climate change in Tanzania</span> Emissions, impacts and responses of Tanzania related to climate change

Climate change in Tanzania is affecting the natural environment and residents of Tanzania. Temperatures in Tanzania are rising with a higher likelihood of intense rainfall events and of dry spells.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Climate change in Vietnam</span> Emissions, impacts and responses of Vietnam related to climate change

Vietnam is among the most affected countries by global climate change. A large number of studies show that Vietnam is experiencing climate change and will be severely negatively affected in coming decades. These negative effects include sea level rise, salinity intrusion and other hydrological problems like floods, river mouth evolution and sedimentation. Natural hazards such as cold waves, storm surges will increase in frequency, with negative effects on the country's development, infrastructure and economy.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Climate change in Iran</span> Emissions, impacts and responses in Iran related to climate change

Iran is among the most vulnerable countries to climate change in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA). Iran contributes to about 1.8% of global greenhouse gas emissions (GHG), and is ranked 8th in greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) world wide and is ranked first in the MENA region due to its reliance on oil and natural gas. Climate change has led to reduced precipitation as well as increased temperatures, with Iran holding the hottest temperature recorded in Asia.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Climate change in the Middle East and North Africa</span> Emissions, impacts and responses of the MENA region related to climate change

Climate change in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) refers to changes in the climate of the MENA region and the subsequent response, adaption and mitigation strategies of countries in the region. In 2018, the MENA region emitted 3.2 billion tonnes of carbon dioxide and produced 8.7% of global greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) despite making up only 6% of the global population. These emissions are mostly from the energy sector, an integral component of many Middle Eastern and North African economies due to the extensive oil and natural gas reserves that are found within the region. The region of Middle East is one of the most vulnerable to climate change. The impacts include increase in drought conditions, aridity, heatwaves and sea level rise.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Climate change in South Africa</span> Emissions, impacts and responses of South Africa related to climate change

Climate change in South Africa is leading to increased temperatures and rainfall variability. Evidence shows that extreme weather events are becoming more prominent due to climate change. This is a critical concern for South Africans as climate change will affect the overall status and wellbeing of the country, for example with regards to water resources. Just like many other parts of the world, climate research showed that the real challenge in South Africa was more related to environmental issues rather than developmental ones. The most severe effect will be targeting the water supply, which has huge effects on the agriculture sector. Speedy environmental changes are resulting in clear effects on the community and environmental level in different ways and aspects, starting with air quality, to temperature and weather patterns, reaching out to food security and disease burden.

Climate change vulnerability is a concept that describes how strongly people or ecosystems are likely to be affected by climate change. Its formal definition is the "propensity or predisposition to be adversely affected" by climate change. It can apply to humans and also to natural systems. Issues around the capacity to cope and adapt are also part of this concept. Vulnerability is a component of climate risk. It differs within communities and also across societies, regions, and countries. It can increase or decrease over time. Vulnerability is generally a bigger problem for people in low-income countries than for those in high-income countries.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Climate change in Israel</span>

Israel, like many other countries in the Middle East and North Africa, experiences adverse effects from climate change. Annual and mean temperatures are increasing in Israel, with mean temperature expected to increase between 1.6 and 1.8 °C by 2100. There is a reduction in annual precipitation and delayed winter rains. Israel is already experiencing droughts and water shortages. Heatwaves are other natural hazards expected to increase with climate change.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Climate change and sexual and reproductive health and rights in Africa</span>

Climate change is a global phenomenon with wide-ranging and profound impacts on various aspects of human life. Beyond its well-known environmental consequences, climate change significantly affects human health, including the realm of sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHRs). Nowhere are these impacts more pronounced than in Africa, a continent that is particularly vulnerable to the effects of climate change due to its socio-economic, geographic, and ecological factors. Understanding the intersection between climate change and SRHRs is crucial for developing holistic and effective strategies to address these interconnected challenges.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Climate change in Namibia</span>

Climate change is the consequence of long-term alterations in the Earth's climate caused by the emission of greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide (CO2) and methane (CH4). These gases can trap heat in the atmosphere, resulting in global warming and a heightened temperature on our planet. The activities carried out by humans, such as the utilization of fossil fuels, along with large-scale commercial agriculture and deforestation, are accountable for the release of these greenhouse gases. The escalating temperatures and escalating extreme heat conditions, uncertain and progressively unpredictable precipitation, and extreme weather provoke new challenges and exacerbate existing ones.

References

  1. ↑ "Nicaragua Case Study | Climate Refugees | Othering & Belonging Institute". belonging.berkeley.edu. Retrieved 2024-10-19.
  2. ↑ "Too Hot To Live: Climate Change in Nicaragua". Earth.Org. Retrieved 2023-06-29.
  3. 1 2 3 4 5 "Mainstreaming Climate Change in Nicaragua". UNDP. Retrieved 2024-10-19.
  4. 1 2 3 4 Quiroga, Sonia; Suárez, Cristina; Diego Solís, Juan; Martinez-Juarez, Pablo (2020-02-01). "Framing vulnerability and coffee farmers' behaviour in the context of climate change adaptation in Nicaragua". World Development. 126: 104733. doi:10.1016/j.worlddev.2019.104733. ISSN   0305-750X.
  5. 1 2 "How climate change is driving emigration from Central America". PBS NewsHour. 2019-09-08. Retrieved 2023-06-29.
  6. 1 2 3 4 5 Molina-Rodríguez, Cintya B.; Valenzuela, Jose Maria (2024-12-01). "Opportunities for the global climate development agenda with Net Zero in the horizon: A perspective from Central America". Earth System Governance. 22: 100222. doi:10.1016/j.esg.2024.100222. ISSN   2589-8116.
  7. ↑ "Nicaragua". United States Department of State. Retrieved 2024-10-19.
  8. ↑ Rivera, Claudia; Wamsler, Christine (2014-03-01). "Integrating climate change adaptation, disaster risk reduction and urban planning: A review of Nicaraguan policies and regulations". International Journal of Disaster Risk Reduction. 7: 78–90. doi:10.1016/j.ijdrr.2013.12.008. ISSN   2212-4209.
  9. ↑ Quiroga, Sonia; Suárez, Cristina; Diego Solís, Juan; Martinez-Juarez, Pablo (2020-02-01). "Framing vulnerability and coffee farmers' behaviour in the context of climate change adaptation in Nicaragua". World Development. 126: 104733. doi:10.1016/j.worlddev.2019.104733. ISSN   0305-750X.
  10. 1 2 3 4 5 Dept, International Monetary Fund Western Hemisphere (2017-06-27). "Nicaragua: Selected Issues". IMF Staff Country Reports. 2017 (174). doi:10.5089/9781484305645.002.A002 (inactive 2024-11-02).{{cite journal}}: CS1 maint: DOI inactive as of November 2024 (link)
  11. 1 2 3 Velásquez-Espinoza, Gema; Alcántara-Ayala, Irasema (2024-08-01). "Tropical Cyclones in Nicaragua: Historical Impact and Contemporary Exposure to Disaster Risk". International Journal of Disaster Risk Science. 15 (4): 579–593. doi:10.1007/s13753-024-00581-7. ISSN   2192-6395.
  12. 1 2 Shultz, James M.; Berg, Ryan C.; Kossin, James P.; Burkle Jr, Frederick; Maggioni, Alessandra; Pinilla Escobar, Victoria A.; Castillo, Melissa Nicole; Espinel, Zelde; Galea, Sandro (2021-08-01). "Convergence of climate-driven hurricanes and COVID-19: The impact of 2020 hurricanes Eta and Iota on Nicaragua". The Journal of Climate Change and Health. 3: 100019. doi:10.1016/j.joclim.2021.100019. ISSN   2667-2782.
  13. 1 2 3 4 5 6 Läderach, Peter; Ramirez–Villegas, Julian; Navarro-Racines, Carlos; Zelaya, Carlos; Martinez–Valle, Armando; Jarvis, Andy (2017-03-01). "Climate change adaptation of coffee production in space and time". Climatic Change. 141 (1): 47–62. Bibcode:2017ClCh..141...47L. doi: 10.1007/s10584-016-1788-9 . ISSN   1573-1480.
  14. 1 2 "World Bank Open Data". World Bank Open Data. Retrieved 2024-10-18.
  15. ↑ "How Nicaraguan coffee farmers are adapting to climate change". Christian Science Monitor. ISSN   0882-7729 . Retrieved 2023-06-29.
  16. 1 2 3 Batista, Carolina; Knipper, Michael; Sedas, Ana Cristina; Farante, Sofia Virginia; Wainstock, Daniel; Borjas-Cavero, Diego B.; Araya, Karol Rojas; Arteaga España, Juan Carlos; Yglesias-González, Marisol (October 2024). "Climate change, migration, and health: perspectives from Latin America and the Caribbean". The Lancet Regional Health - Americas: 100926. doi: 10.1016/j.lana.2024.100926 .
  17. ↑ "Groundswell Report". World Bank. Retrieved 2024-11-02.
  18. ↑ "Nicaragua | World Food Programme". www.wfp.org. 2024-03-29. Retrieved 2024-11-01.
  19. ↑ Ritchie, Hannah; Roser, Max; Rosado, Pablo (2022-10-27). "Energy". Our World in Data.
  20. 1 2 Segura, Luis D.; van Zeijl‐Rozema, Annemarie; Martens, Pim (November 2022). "Climate change adaptation in Central America: A review of the national policy efforts". Latin American Policy. 13 (2): 276–327. doi:10.1111/lamp.12277. ISSN   2041-7365.
  21. ↑ Ibarra, Arias-Rodrigo; Guerrero, Isa (2022-06-20). "New national climate change policy in Nicaragua". Lexology. Retrieved 2023-06-29.
  22. ↑ "Misión y Visión – Marena" (in Spanish). Retrieved 2024-11-08.
  23. 1 2 Cabral, Angelica (2017-06-01). "Why Isn't Nicaragua Part of the Paris Agreement?". Slate. ISSN   1091-2339 . Retrieved 2023-06-29.
  24. ↑ Mathiesen, Karl (2017-09-21). "Nicaragua to join Paris climate deal in solidarity with 'first victims'". Climate Home News. Retrieved 2023-06-29.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.