Latin American Network for Climate Change Assessment
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| Latin American Network for Climate Change Assessment | |
|---|---|
| Name | Latin American Network for Climate Change Assessment |
| Abbreviation | LANC-CA |
| Type | Research network |
| Formation | 2013 |
Latin American Network for Climate Change Assessment is a regional consortium that coordinates scientific assessment, knowledge synthesis, and policy-relevant research on climate change across Latin America and the Caribbean, linking universities, research institutes, and governmental bodies. The network convenes specialists from institutions such as Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Universidade de São Paulo, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Universidad de Buenos Aires, and Instituto Nacional de Pesquisas Espaciais to produce interdisciplinary analyses that inform processes like the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change and the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. It engages with multilateral organizations including the World Bank, Inter-American Development Bank, United Nations Environment Programme, Food and Agriculture Organization, and regional bodies such as the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States to translate science into policy.
Overview
The network operates as a collaborative platform linking academic centers such as Universidad de Costa Rica and Centro de Investigaciones del Mar y la Atmósfera with national agencies like Instituto Nacional de Pesquisas Espaciais and Servicio Meteorológico Nacional (Argentina), and international organizations including the United Nations Development Programme and Global Environment Facility. Its remit spans thematic areas addressed by institutions such as International Union for Conservation of Nature, World Wildlife Fund, Conservation International, and The Nature Conservancy while contributing to assessment frameworks used by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change and regional initiatives of the Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean.
History and Establishment
The network emerged from scientific dialogues among researchers affiliated with University of the Andes (Colombia), Universidad de Chile, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, and policy events convened by Latin American Water Center, Latin American Energy Organization, and the UNFCCC regional offices following high-profile episodes like the 2000s Amazon droughts, the 1997–1998 El Niño, and mounting evidence presented at Conference of the Parties to the UNFCCC. Early founding partners included Instituto de Investigaciones en Biodiversidad y Medioambiente, Centro de Modelado Climático, and national academies such as the Brazilian Academy of Sciences and the Mexican Academy of Sciences.
Organizational Structure and Membership
Governance involves steering committees composed of representatives from universities such as Universidad de Salamanca (Spain) collaborating regionally, research institutes like CIMAT, and national research councils such as Consejo Nacional de Ciencia y Tecnología (CONACYT), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas and Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior. Membership includes institutional nodes in countries represented by Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Peru, Mexico, Costa Rica, Panama, Ecuador, and Bolivia linked to thematic working groups on hydrology, agriculture, biodiversity, urban resilience, and energy systems. Advisory links extend to entities such as World Meteorological Organization, Pan American Health Organization, International Renewable Energy Agency, and regional ministries like the Ministry of Environment (Chile).
Research Activities and Thematic Programs
Research spans climate modeling coordinated with centers such as Centro Euro-Mediterráneo sui Cambiamenti Climatici, observational networks tied to Global Climate Observing System, and impacts analysis on sectors represented by Food and Agriculture Organization, World Health Organization, and International Labour Organization. Thematic programs address topics championed by organizations like Conservación Internacional, Wetlands International, BirdLife International and include studies on Amazon Rainforest dynamics, Andean glacier retreat informed by International Cryosphere Climate Initiative, coastal vulnerability along the Caribbean Sea and Pacific Ocean, agroclimatic risk in the Gran Chaco, and urban heat in cities such as Mexico City, São Paulo, and Buenos Aires. Methodological collaboration involves groups like Met Office Hadley Centre, National Center for Atmospheric Research, Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory, and regional model developers.
Publications and Assessment Reports
The network issues assessment reports, technical briefs, and policy syntheses comparable in function to contributions to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change and regional assessments by the United Nations Environment Programme. Reports are produced in coordination with editorial partners such as Springer Nature, Elsevier, and regional publishers and are disseminated to stakeholders including the Organization of American States, Mercosur policy units, and national ministries. Outputs cover peer-reviewed articles in journals associated with Nature Climate Change, Climatic Change, Global Environmental Change, and regional outlets, as well as data products used by Copernicus Programme and NASA research teams.
Regional Impact and Policy Engagement
The network informs national adaptation plans adopted under the Paris Agreement and supports capacity building linked to programs run by United Nations Development Programme, Green Climate Fund, and Global Environment Facility. It advises regional disaster risk reduction strategies aligned with the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction and participates in dialogues with trade blocs like Pacific Alliance and environmental diplomacy channels such as Alliance of Small Island States representatives from Caribbean members. Engagements have influenced policy instruments related to water management in the Andes, deforestation monitoring in the Amazon Basin, and coastal planning in the Gulf of Mexico.
Funding and Partnerships
Funding derives from multilateral donors including the World Bank, Inter-American Development Bank, Global Environment Facility, bilateral agencies such as USAID, DEG (Germany), and philanthropic foundations including the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and Rockefeller Foundation. Research partnerships extend to scientific networks like Future Earth, International Science Council, Global Change SysTem for Analysis, Research and Training (START), and transnational projects with institutes such as Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research, Scripps Institution of Oceanography, and Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Zurich.