Outlook on climate change adaptation in the Tropical Andes mountains

Summary of key hazards, vulnerabilities and risks (continued)

Key Vulnerability

Key Risk

Climate Hazards Droughts (continued)

NB It is somewhat difficult to know exactly what is caused by climate change and what is caused by climate variability. The drought in the Colombian highlands and the Peruvian southern Andes, and the flooding in the southern Andes are not because of climate change but because of ENSO. However the effects of ENSO (and El Niño) seem to be exacerbated by the effects of climate change: generally this translates into dry areas getting even dryer and wet areas, wetter (at least during some periods of the year). • Decreaseddry-seasondischarge/diminishedwater availability, leading to increased water-resources-related vulnerability: Cities and communities heavily reliant on glacial meltwater in dry periods/seasons are most vulnerable Water supply less reliable for ecosystems that adapted to conditions created by glaciers – especially wetlands. • Communities with cultural and/or religious ties to glaciers and snow-capped mountains. • Specific local areas dependent on ice and snow-related tourism.) • Mainly: glacier retreat can exacerbate current water-resources- related vulnerability. • People (and infrastructure) living below rapidly melting glaciers without adequate monitoring and early warning systems. • Inadequate governmental attention to risk reduction. – –

Glacier melt

ECONOMIC ENVIRONMENTAL SOCIAL

• Exacerbated droughts and dry spells causing water shortages and water insecurity, with associated negative impacts on agriculture productivity, human health and energy production, leading to • Meltwater might contain harmful metals which can pose a health risk to those using it (also indirectly through agriculture). • Loss of biodiversity and ecosystem services. economic loss and harm to health. • Irreplaceable loss of water supply.

• Accelerated and advanced glacial melting of glaciers/ disappearance of glaciers

ECONOMIC SOCIAL INSTITUTIONAL

• Death, injury and loss of livelihoods and other valuables. • Damage and destruction of infrastructure and communication systems.

• Increase of glacial lake outburst floods (hazard specific to Peru only)

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