Climate-related disasters such as hurricanes, droughts, fires and floods are becoming increasingly frequent and intense in Latin America, causing huge economic losses. The inhabitants of the most exposed regions, on the coasts or in the highlands, are particularly hard hit.
Agriculture, land use change and deforestation account for 47% of greenhouse gas emissions in Latin America and the Caribbean, well above the global average (19%). This disrupts the work of peasants, who depend on the land to survive. Women, who are often in charge of the household and the land, are particularly vulnerable. Latin America’s patriarchal society gives them little say, and domestic violence is widespread. Yet, by strengthening their position, society as a whole benefits, the younger generations first and foremost.
SWISSAID is present in Colombia, Ecuador and Nicaragua. Find out more about our projects in these countries.
