Colombia faces a critical future due to climate change: Extreme droughts and loss of biodiversity

Climate change poses alarming scenarios for Colombia in the coming decades, according to projections by the Institute of Hydrology, Meteorology and Environmental Studies (Ideam). By 2050, average temperatures could increase between 1.5 °C and 2 °C, negatively affecting significantly to regions such as the Amazon and the Andean mountain range, where biodiversity and agriculture are at serious risk. The Ideam also warns about the alteration of precipitation patterns. While some areas will face intense and prolonged rains, others, such as the Colombian Caribbean, will suffer more severe droughts that could reduce access to water and compromise food security. You may be interested in: Imminent shakeup in the ministerial cabinet: President Petro would make changes before the end of the year. In addition, extreme climate phenomena, such as hurricanes, floods and prolonged droughts, will be more frequent and intense, generating devastating impacts on crops, infrastructure and vulnerable communities. These Changes in climate patterns would also affect water resources, with severe fluctuations in strategic basins such as those of the Magdalena and Cauca rivers, essential for hydroelectric energy, agriculture and the supply of drinking water. A critical issue is biodiversity. Colombia, one of the most megadiverse countries in the world, could see the disappearance of key natural habitats, which would affect numerous species of flora and fauna. Read also: Millionaire fines and prison: authorities reinforce control of wildlife trafficking at ChristmasAccording to the According to studies, up to 50% of national biodiversity would be at risk, which would compromise vital ecosystem services such as pollination and water regulation. These projections were developed by Ideam in collaboration with the CBIT Project “Climate Transparency Colombia”, financed by the Global Environment Fund and supported by the UNDP and the Natura Foundation. Finally, the entity pointed out that, if we do not act quickly , the consequences of climate change could irreversibly transform the country’s ecosystems, affecting the quality of life of millions of Colombians and the ecological balance of the entire region.

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