Food security, disasters and climate change vulnerability in the Tropical Andes region

Description

Problems with water supply, hydropower, agriculture and biodiversity all have drastic effects on human health. Agricultural problems will drive poverty and food insecurity primarily among people living in the mountains but also in South America as a whole. Reduced biodiversity and damaged mountain ecosystems will also threaten the nutritional ecosystem services they provide. This includes wild harvesting of edible and medicinal plants and firewood as well as fresh water. Damage to fish stocks and unique Andean ecosystems could also threaten tourism. One broad implication is contribution to poverty and its wide-reaching associated ills. When people’s economic situation is worsened, other negative effects of climate change are aggravated.