AESS 2017 Draft Conference Session Schedule
Water and Climate in Latin America
Abstract
Climate change will have profound effects around the world, calling for the need to understand how it affects regions differently and learn from adaptation efforts that have been successful. Latin America is already experiencing a wide range of impacts; however, building adaptive capacity and adequately preparing is an ongoing struggle. Many climate impacts are revealed through water: increased variation in precipitation, reduced glacial melt, and more frequent and intense floods, droughts, and other extreme weather events. Nonlinearity and uncertainty are associated with climate impacts, throwing a wrench in water resources management that has relied mainly on historical data for decision making. Further, scientific and technical information alone is not sufficient to analyze, predict, and adapt to climate change; socio-political analyses, economic projections, and an understanding of the democratic legitimacy of decision making are among additional key factors that need to be taken into account. As such, this panel takes an interdisciplinary approach to studying climate impacts in Latin America and analyzing policies, programs, and other actions taken to adapt and build resiliency. What is the impact of climate change on ecosystems and livelihoods? How do climate impacts and responses connect to other issues, such as water quality and infrastructure development? How effective have various adaptation efforts been? Embedded in both analyses and policy decisions are questions of equity and justice: how are impacts distributed? what programs should be prioritized? who should decide? With its high inequality, extensive urbanization, and dependence on natural resources, Latin America can provide insights for many other regions. Climate change poses new challenges; however, there are many efforts underway, from innovative policies to workforce training. While analyzing climate and water issues from different disciplines, the presentations all aim to contribute greater knowledge and awareness climate impacts and responses, providing insight to build greater resiliency and adaptive capacity in the future. With a mix of work from natural scientists, political scientists, social scientists, and practitioners, this panel is meant to not only provide insight for Latin America directly, but also offer comparison and insight for the US and other regions around the world.
Primary Contact
Abby Lindsay, American University
Presenters
Emily Benton Hite, University of Colorado Boulder
Title of paper
Political Ecology of Costa Rica’s Climate Policy: How Strategies of Indigenous Resistance Inform State Policy
Thomas Shahady, PhD, Lynchburg College
Title of paper
Watershed Management Through Community Engagement in Costa Rica
Marta A. Panero, PhD, New York Institute of Technology
Title of paper
Linking Education to Water Sustainability and Lower Carbon Footprint in Latin America
Abby Lindsay, American University
Title of paper
Investing Upstream: Insight from Peruvian Urban Water Supply Management
Co-Authors
Nada Anid, PhD, New York Institute of Technology
Title of paper
Linking Education to Water Sustainability and Lower Carbon Footprint in Latin America
Weslynne Ashton, PhD, Illinois Institute of Technology
Title of paper
Linking Education to Water Sustainability and Lower Carbon Footprint in Latin America