Responding to Climate Change

Climate change represents a serious challenge to the sustainability of development in Latin America and the Caribbean. While its exact nature may not be fully understood, the countries of the region have participated actively in the efforts of the international community to shape new approaches to meet this global threat. A central question for all countries is how best to provide for the economic development and social welfare of their peoples in light of the potential impacts of these evolving new conditions.

As the region?s leading multilateral lending institution, the Inter-American Development Bank stands ready to work in partnership with the countries of the region to address the critical issues posed by these emerging global trends. The IDB?s Action Plan on Climate Change rests on a critical analysis of the impacts that climate change may have on the region, the sources of the region?s emissions of greenhouse gases, and the special role the Bank can play in the pursuit of sustainable development in Latin America and the Caribbean.