Outlook on climate change adaptation in the Tropical Andes mountains

The Andean countries are highly dependent on

hydropower: hydroelectric energy represents an

average of about 64% of total energy supply across

the Andean countries (CEPAL, 2011), of which

52% is generated within the mountain region

overall, but with large variation between countries

(CONDESAN, 2012). The mountain regions

harbour the majority of the hydropower dams of

the seven countries. However, there are very few

studies on the future impacts of climate change on

hydropower generation.

Each country adopts a different approach to addressing

adaptation in the energy sector. Policies in other

sectors, such as water resourcemanagement, also affect

energy production. Colombia is planning to diminish

its energy vulnerability through a comprehensive

approach, which combines improving efficiency,

diversifying sources and conserving watersheds and

ecosystems. Ecuador’s energy policy indirectly relates

to hydropower because of its focus on diminishing

the country’s dependency on fossil fuels: hydropower

Energy (hydropower)

will thereby gradually increase its share as an energy

source. Bolivia is planning large hydro schemes in the

Andean foothills (El Bala) and the Amazon lowlands

(Cachuela Esperanza, Riberao). Peru’s perspective is

the optimal use of energy resources, and improving

infrastructure. Thus, the country advocates the

efficient use of energy to mitigate GHG emissions

and promotes climate change adaptation measures.

Further, Peru is starting to diversify its energy mix to

diminish its dependency on natural gas, promoting

renewable energy sources including forms other

than hydropower such as wind farms, solar and

biomass power plants.

Many economical activities

with significant potential (such as hydropower) and

that depend on ecosystem goods and services will be

negatively affected by climate change.

A number of studies (e.g. Fearnside, 2002; Fearnside,

2005) have shown that large scale hydro in the Amazon

lowlands result in higher GHG emissions than

conventional power plants, due to the combined effects

of forest land destruction and additional methane

production during normal operation. Out of some

151 dams proposed for the Amazon system, over half

are expected to disrupt or sever the river connectivity

between the Andean highlands and headwaters and the

Amazon lowlands (Finer and Jenkins 2012).

Opportunities

Energy demand currently outstrips supply in the

region. The Andes have huge potential for generating

hydropower to meet the energy supply. Despite

the climate impacts, hydropower will remain an

important source of energy production in the Andes.

However, managing it properly will require forward-

looking adaptation measures including conservation

and management of (transboundary) watersheds

and ecosystems, as well as the climate-proofing of

relevant infrastructure. The focus on hydropower

in Andean watersheds highlights the importance of

protecting the remaining Andean forest ecosystems,

which supply almost 50% of the water budget of

existing dams (Sáenz and Mulligan, 2013). Policies

are needed to support the diversification of the overall

energy mix, promote investment (public and private)

in this sector and also regulate its socioeconomic and

environmental impacts on mountain systems.

Policy gaps

• Adaptation policies in the energy sector require

updated vulnerability studies of hydropower

provision per basin, whereby adaptation measures

are prioritized for themost vulnerable basins. Studies

on the impact of climate change on future water

availability are needed, and have to be incorporated

already in the planning and design phases of projects.

• Lack of awareness of impacts of increasing

hydropower generation on mountain ecosystems.

For instance, there will be increased pressure and

impact on mountains from energy-demanding

regions and sectors, which will potentially increase

ecosystem degradation and further exclude the

local population.

• While focusing on climate change impacts on

hydropower plants, there is insufficient data and

information about the impact of these plants on

mountain social-ecological systems (e.g. people,

landscape, water bodies, fishing).

• There is insufficient political support for

comprehensive diversification of energy sources.

Tominé Reservoir, Cundinamarca, Colombia