Outlook on climate change adaptation in the Tropical Andes mountains

Summary of key hazards, vulnerabilities and risks (continued)

Key Vulnerability

Key Risk

Climate Hazards Floods (continued) • Increase in frequency of landslides

ENVIRONMENTAL SOCIAL

• People living on steep hillsides. Communities with frail infrastructure anddegraded ecosystems are particularly vulnerable. NB Rainfall-induced landslides are very common, with above- average rainfall having been linked to landslide activity (see Kirschbaum et al., 2012). However, both natural factors and human factors, including human (mis)management of land and forest areas, are also contributing factors; the interaction of climate hazards in combination with land-use practices can make landslides and erosion much more severe. • Agricultural communities are most vulnerable. • Lack of good land management (both the land itself (pasture and agriculture) and the management of livestock). • Infrastructure and general environment in steep erosion- prone areas. • Exposed areas (mainly Altiplano and Venezuela) that already have low water availability. • Agricultural crops need more water to grow but there is a lack of irrigation infrastructure. • Cities and communities dependent on riverine water supply for drinking, hygiene and irrigation. • Urban and rural communities dependent on hydropower production. • Poorer and more vulnerable populations (e.g. elderly) in rural and urban settings are more susceptible to food insecurity, decreased sanitation. • Biodiversity and ecosystems that need fresh water resources and forest ecosystems will be under stress.

• Death, injury and loss of other valuables. Security. • Destruction of infrastructure and communication systems.

ENVIRONMENTAL SOCIAL

• Economic loss, food insecurity. • Damage of communication and transport infrastructure.

• Increase of erosion and soil degradation

Droughts

ECONOMIC ENVIRONMENTAL SOCIAL INSTITUTIONAL

• Economic loss and exacerbation of poverty due to lack of irrigation and subsequent crop failure/ lower yield. • Risk of increased malnutrition due to acute crop failure, risk of loss of life. • Loss of biodiversity and ecosystem services. • Water shortages, risks to crops and health. • Infectious disease. • Exacerbatedwater conflicts and social andpolitical unrest. The most vulnerable living in border areas might become increasingly vulnerable in terms of water “ownership”. • Economic loss. • Decreased capacity for hydropower production.

• Decrease in annual precipitation and consequent decreasing river flow (accompanied by an ever-increasing demand for water and energy)

➔

45